



Book 



,"K^-=r-^ 




Balegh's Serva>'t attempts to put out the Fire. Page 60. 



To UNO FOLKS' Heroes of History 



RALEGH 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES 



BY 



GEORGE MAKEPEACE TOWLE 

AUTHOR OF " VASCO DA GAMA " " PIZARRO " "MAGELLAN" 
"MARCO POLO'' ETC. 



Il.LirSTRAT'ED^ 



BOSTON 
LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS 



Copyright, 1881, 
By Lee and ShepabDs 



AU Rights Reserved. 

.. ..?! 



PREFACE. 



Sir Walter Ralegh was famous in several 
fields of action. His younfrer manhood was spent 
in the midst of the most briUiant royal court which 
English palaces ever held. Later, he proved his 
courage and military prowess in more than one 
bitterly contested battle-field and naval conflict. 
In middle life, and again in old age, he braved the 
great deep and the perils of savage lands, in the 
sturdy attempt to make discoveries, and to settle 
English colonies in the new world. His love of 
his own land, and his hatred of her enemies, were 
always ardent ; nor did he permit the harsh ill- 
treatment to which he was subjected by the hos- 
tility of his rivals, the intrigues of Spain, the 
caprices of Queen Elizabeth, and the insurmount- 
able dislike of King James, to dampen or dull the 
fire of his patriotism. 

Ralegh was the wittiest man. and one of the 
most scholarly men of Elizabeth's court. He was 
fond of books ; and as an author, he took rank 



PREFACE. 

with the great literary lights of the Elizabethan 
age. Chivalrous in feeling, brave in action, court- 
ly in manner, handsome in person, a faithful hus- 
band, a devoted father, a valiant soldier, a vigorous 
and persevering explorer, and a wise and states- 
manlike thinker, his career was full of absorbing 
and often exciting interest, as the pages which 
follow will doubtless prove it to have been, to those 
who read them. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
Ralegh's Boyhood and Youth ..•••! 

CHAPTER IT- 
Ralegh a Soldier i6 

CHAPTEP JIT 
Ralegh a Courtier 32 

CHAPTER IV. 
/ Ralegh as a Colonizer 48 

CHAPTER V. 
The Invincible Armada 64 

CHAPTER VL 
Ralegh a Prisoner 79 

CHAPTER VII. 
/ Ralegh's First Voyage ., 96 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Adventures on the Orinoco . • • • • 113 

CHAPTER IX. 
Ralegh's Return Home 130 

CHAPTER X. 
Sea-fights with the Spaniards . • • • I47 



CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XI. 
The Essex Conspiracy ...,,, 165 

CHAPTER XII. 
Ralegh Charged with Treason . • • . 182 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Tried for his Life 195 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Twelve Years in thil 'Lower 212 

CHAPTER XV. 
Ralegh's Second Voi^Gh. 227 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Ralegh's Return 243 

CHAPTER XVII. 
The Final Scene 257 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Ralegh spreading his Cloak before the Queen .... 35 
Ralegh's Servant attempts to put out the Fire . . .60 

Ralegh showing the Portkait of Queen Elizabeth . . . 12a, ( X 

Ralegh Urging and Encouraging his Men iS" ^ 

Ralegh's Narrow Escape • • ^73 

Ralegh in Prison 221 

Death of Ralegh's Son .•• 337 

The Final Scene a?* 



ralegh: 

HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 




CHAPTER I. 

RALEGH'S BOYHOOD AND YOUTH. 

N the south of England, bordering upon 
the British Channel, lies the pleasant and 
picturesque county of Devon. The gentle 
beauties of its landscape, and its mild and healthy 
climate ; its vales, and downs, and woodlands ; its 
lofty cliffs stretching along the coast ; its pretty 
bays, inlets, and rivers, winding amid rich mead- 
ows and sloping hills ; its fine farms and dainty 
dairies ; and its quaint old cities and towns, snug 
villages, and hoary manor-houses, have long been 
noted, and are described in glowing colors by 
travellers and poets. 

Not the least picturesque of the Devon rivers is 
the Otter, which flows into the Channel at the 



2 RALEGH : 

eastern end of the county. The Otter runs through 
a country of prosperous farms and ancient settle- 
ments ; and along its banks nestle many cottages 
and hamlets centuries old. 

Close to the Otter, just outside the village of 
Budleigh, there still stands, where it has stood for 
at least four centuries, a plain and now half- 
ruined farmhouse, snugly settled beneath lofty 
oaks and amid thrifty apple orchards. The Otter 
flows in full sight of the small-paned, irregular win- 
dows. Behind the old house, the hills rise to 
thickly-wooded summits. 

The venerable homestead has, no doubt, seen 
many changes in the progress of four hundred 
years ; nor would those who dwelt within its walls 
in the time of bluff Henry the Eighth, probably 
recognize it, could they come to life again, and 
revisit the once familiar scene. Yet some vestiges 
of its ancient condition remain. 

A table, clumsily carved and worn with age, still 
stands in the spacious sitting-room, where, it is 
said, it has stood for at least three centuries. 
Should you visit the house, its good dame would 
eagerly lead you up the narrow staircase, and, con- 
ducting you into a musty, low-ceilinged chamber, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 3 

would proudly tell you that it was in this room that 
the famous Sir Walter Ralegh was born. 

A short distance from the house, too, stands a 
curious church, older even than the house itself; 
and in this church may be seen a quaint oaken 
pew, richly carved with a family coat-of-arms, 
where, for centuries, the Raleghs sat and wor- 
shipped. As each master of Hayes — this was 
the name of the house and farm which have been 
described — passed away from earth, he was sol- 
emnly borne into the church of All Saints, and 
thence to the ancient family tomb near by. 

At the modest farmhouse of Hayes there lived, 
about the middle of the sixteenth century, a poor 
gentleman named Walter Ralegh. But though poor, 
he w^as a man of high breeding and of noble blood, 
and belonged to a family which had long been 
rich and powerful. He was nearly related to many 
of the nobility and great landlords of his neighbor- 
hood, and often received visits from them at his 
modest homestead of Hayes. Mr. Ralegh was a 
quiet gentleman, who took little part in the stirring 
events of his time, and preferred living in his 
rustic retreat at Hayes, to plunging into the ex- 
citements and pleasures of London life. He is 



4 RALEGH : 

therefore little heard of in history ; further than 
that he was a man of gentle manners and an 
amiable nature, we hear nothing of him. 

His wife, however, was a person of marked 
traits, and of many noble virtues. She was a lady 
of very high degree, the daughter of Sir Philip 
Champernon, a proud Norman squire, and a de- 
scendant of the Courtenays, the famous English 
emperors of Constantinople. She had first wedded, 
when a fair and haughty young girl, a valiant 
knight named Sir Otho Gilbert, and had given 
birth to three stalwart sons — John, Humphrey, 
and Adrian Gilbert — all of whom played an heroic 
part in the events of their time, and attained, by 
their valorous deeds, the dignity of knighthood. 

After Sir Otho's death, his beautiful wife had 
been won by the modest and gentle Walter Ralegh, 
and had been content to leave the proud social cir- 
cles of which she was a brilliant ornament, and to 
share with her impoverished second husband his 
rustic abode and his scanty fortune. Four sons 
were the issue of this singular but happy love- 
match. With the three elder, this story has little 
or nothing to do. 

The fourth, who first saw the light in the very 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 5 

year that Queen Mary ascended the throne of 
Britain — ■ 1552 — was named after his father, Wal- 
ter Ralegh. 

In his very babyhood, this boy was noted through 
the country around Hayes for his exceeding beauty. 
His regular features, his rosy complexion, his big, 
bright, brown eyes, and his quick precocity, were 
the talk of the farmers and their dames. His 
father and mother were wondrously proud of him, 
and fairly doted on him ; he was the favorite and 
the pet of the household, from the day he was born 
to that on which he left Hayes to seek adventure 
and fame in the wide world beyond. 

The good father and the ambitious mother 
mourned that they were too poor to give him 
such an education as was due to the son of an 
ancient English family, and the descendant of 
imperial ancestors. Walter Ralegh received his 
early education at his mother's knees ; and was 
brought up in the homely, simple, high-bred fash- 
ion of the English country-houses as they were in 
the days of the Tudor kings and queens. 

Very early in his boyhood, Walter Ralegh showed 
a high spirit of courage, a fondness for the lusty 
sports of the Devon country side, a love of out-door 



6 RALEGH : 

recreations and trials of physical strength, and a 
fondness for the excitements and dangers of the 
chase. As soon as he could mount a horse, he 
was seen galloping about the rustic roads, where 
he outrode all his comrades, and became the un- 
questioned leader of their pastimes. He was a 
muscular as well as a handsome young fellow, tall, 
well-formed, and manly for his age, full of cour- 
tesy, and pleasant, engaging ways, which made 
him a hero among the lads who shared his sturdy 
sports. 

There was no rural recreation, indeed, in which 
he did not take part with keenest ardor, and did 
not soon become an adept. On many an early 
summer day, he was wont to follow the shady 
streams which wound through the forests in his 
neighborhood, with angler's hook and line ; and as 
he cast his line for the wary trout, dreamed, no 
doubt, many a dream of the adventures and ambi- 
tions he would have one day in the big, bustUng 
world far beyond his rural home. There were 
other days on which, in company with his sport- 
loving father, he galloped over the breezy hills of 
Dartmoor, his packs of hounds running and yelp- 
ing at his side, and followed the flying deer across 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. / 

dell and down, and through the cool thickets, 
rejoicing mightily when at last the victim of the 
chase was brought down, and the hunting-horns, 
echoing from hill to hill, announced the result of 
the chase to all the country round. 

About thirty miles from Hayes, in the midst of 
dense forests, varied, here and there, by blooming 
apple orchards, there stood a grim and hoary cas~ 
tie, whose lofty towers rose above the trees amid 
which it was nestled. It was, even in those days, 
an ancient edifice. Its walls were thickly clothed 
with sturdy ivies ; some portions of it were already 
uninhabitable from decay ; and rooks made their 
nests, and cawed and fluttered in the now deserted 
halls of this ruined part. Just behind the castle, a 
noble park stretched out, with its rich, turfy lawns, 
and its grass-grown and much-neglected avenues ; 
while beyond, the woods were full of deer and 
other game, and offered fine hunting-grounds for 
the occupants of the gloomy old place. 

In this ancient and remote castle, which was 
known as Compton Castle, lived two brothers, who 
had already become noted for their spirit, valor, 
and love of adventure. They were Humphrey and 
Adrian Gilbert, the half-brothers of young Walter 



S RALEGH : 

Ralegh. Although still young, Humphrey and 
Adrian had been much abroad in the world, and 
had seen some military service. Both of them 
were fond of dangerous expeditions, and were 
expert navigators ; and they liked to talk of the 
many exciting scenes which they had witnessed, 
and in which they had taken an active and some- 
times an heroic part. 

They both had a warm affection for their young 
half-brother, who was always welcomed to Comp- 
ton Castle with open arms. The Gilberts, no 
doubt, perceived in him a spirit of enthusiasm 
and adventure akin to their own ; and encouraged 
him by their stories and their praise to look eagerly 
forward to a stirring career in the bustling world. 

The happiest days of Walter Ralegh's boyhood, 
indeed, were spent in the quaint halls and forests 
of Compton. He would often gallop over there on 
his favorite horse, and remain for weeks at a time 
in the congenial companionship of the two young 
soldiers. He never tired of sitting by the big fire- 
place, on a winter's night, and, as the huge logs 
blazed, hearing them relate their adventures till 
long after midnight ; and he never was so joyous 
as when following them to the hunt. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 9 

So spirited and imaginative a boy was not likely 
to neglect the hardy pleasures of the seaside, near 
which he lived. It was but a short ride from 
Hayes to the stormy coast of the British Channel ; 
and many a long day did Walter spend in sight of 
its angry waters, and of the sturdy craft which con- 
stantly came and went. That part of the coast, in 
those days, was studded with humble cottages, the 
homes of a colony of sailors, who hastened thither, 
after a voyage, to seek rest and recreation in the 
midst of their families. These sailors were a very 
talkative set ; they were only too glad if they could 
find any one to listen to their thrilling narratives 
of battle, shipwreck, and discovery. 
• Walter's intimacy with his half-brothers, Hum- 
phrey and Adrian Gilbert, had given him an ardent 
taste for the sea, and for the adventures which 
those who follow the sea are sure to encounter. 
His fancy had been fired by their enthusiasm for 
discovery, and he already began to long to take 
part in those voyages to seek out new lands, which, 
in his time, had become more frequent than for- 
merly. 

He eagerly, therefore, scraped acquaintance with 
the scarred and weather-beaten sailors who, ever 



lO RALEGH : 

and anon, made their appearance at the cottages 
on the coast near Hayes. These rough men took 
a fancy to the bright-eyed, inquisitive lad, who 
plied them with innumerable questions, and lis- 
tened with open mouth and dilated pupils to their 
homely tales and rude descriptions. He would sit 
for hours on the benches just outside the cottages ; 
and having driink in a succession of exciting 
stories, would gallop back to Hayes, to pass a 
sleepless night, or to dream of being himself the 
hero of battles with savages, or of obstinate con- 
flicts with Spanish galleons ; or of gazing, rapt in 
wonder, on the tropical splendors of America and 
the Indies. 

Walter's ambition to become an adventurer was 
still further fed by what he read and heard about 
the daring voyages and conquests of his time. 
Already, there had sprung up in his heart a warm 
love of, and pride in, his native England. He 
eagerly devoured the accounts of the glorious 
achievements of the Spaniards and the Portu- 
guese in the field of discovery. He read with 
breathless interest the thrilling and inspiring sto- 
ries of Vasco da Gama, of Columbus, of Pizarro 
and Cortez, of Magellan and Albuquerque, and 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. * II 

fancied himself the future hero of similar ex- 
ploits. The English had grown very jealous of 
the success of the Spaniards and Portuguese. 
They prided themselves on being the masters of 
the sea, and of the art of navigation ; nor did they 
yield to the Spaniards in courage, enterprise, and 
contempt of danger. They were resolved to be- 
come the rivals of Spain in discovery ; and they 
coveted the possession of the rich, distant lands 
which yet remained to be conquered and colonized 
by European valor. 

In Ralegh's boyhood, several English navigators 
had already won glory and renown by their suc- 
cessful voyages and conquests. Stout old John 
Hawkins had made his voyage to Africa ; and 
Drake, although only six years older than Ralegh, 
had become famous in Devonshire as a voyager to 
the West Indies, and had engaged in many sea- 
fights with Spanish cruisers. 

It is very likely that, in these early days, young 
Ralegh saw and talked with Drake and Hawkins ; 
for both lived at no great distance from him. At 
all events, their example filled him with ardor and 
impatience. He learned to hate the Spaniards 
with all the warmth and spirit of boyish hatred ; 



1 2 RALEGH : 

and was eager to take his part in the fierce rivalry 
and hostility which now raged between Spain and 
England. His blood boiled when he heard of an 
English ship being taken by a Spanish cruiser ; 
and thrilled with delight when the news came that 
a Spanish merchantman, with its rich cargo from 
the Eastern seas, had been gallantly attacked and 
brought into port by an English privateer. 

His father and mother did not fail to encourage 
his adventurous disposition. They saw that he 
was made of heroic stuff, and his mother was too 
proud of her famous sons, Humphrey and Adrian 
Gilbert, not to be ambitious of the future of her 
youngest boy. She indulged in fond dreams of 
his coming greatness and fame ; and was too sure 
of his courage and intelligence, to fear to trust him 
amid the perilous conflicts of the world. Mean- 
while she directed his studies, and persuaded 
him to work as hard as possible with his books, 
that he might be the sooner prepared to enter 
upon the stirring career to which he looked for- 
ward so eagerly. With his sturdy recreations and 
his books, his gallops over to Compton Castle, and 
his afternoon visits to the sailors' cots, time sped 
rapidly with young Walter Ralegh ; and almost 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 13 

before he knew it, the day arrived when he was 
to leave his pretty rustic home on the banks of 
the Otter, and to go up to Oxford to enter the 
University. 

He was scarcely fifteen when this important 
change in his life took place ; but his quickness to 
learn had enabled him, even at that age, to be- 
come fully qualified to enter college. We may 
well believe that it was not without many a sigh of 
regret that he left the quiet and beloved scenes of 
his home, and that his parting from father and 
mother, brothers and boon companions, brought a 
pang to his warm boyish heart. 

But he was a brave young fellow, and his ambi- 
tion had grown with his years ; and he looked 
eagerly forward to a career in Oxford, the prizes 
of which glittered before his fancy, and the self- 
dependent life at which appealed strongly to his 
manly nature. 

An autumn day in 1567, then, found him with 
his good father, seated in a quaint little room at 
Oriel College, which is still pointed out to the 
modern visitor as that once occupied by the great 
Sir Walter. It looked out upon the ivy-grown 
quadrangle, with its jutting windows and its broad 



14 RALEGH : 

stone pavement ; and Walter watched the students 
in their hats and gowns, as they passed to and fro, 
with great interest. 

He soon found himself the centre of a large 
circle of gay college youths, into whose pleas- 
ures and frolics he entered with as much ardor as 
he had done into the pastimes of his Devon home. 
He was, at Oriel, as in Devon, the hero and leader 
of his companions, the foremost in their sports 
and escapades, as well as the rival of the first in 
scholarship. The students liked the frank, grace- 
ful, courtly, and good-natured youth ; and he quite 
as quickly attracted the attention of the more sober 
dons and professors. It was not long before Wal- 
ter Ralegh was known as one of the brilliant lights 
of Oriel, the pride alike of his classmates and his 
instructors. Sometimes the University was visited 
by great nobles, and men of high distinction ; and 
young Walter Ralegh thus made the acquaintance 
of many statesmen and soldiers, who inspired his 
ambition, and deeply interested him with their con- 
versation and comments on the events of the 
time. 

The great Lord Bacon, who, in after years knew 
Ralegh well, tells us a little anecdote of Ralegh's 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 5 

college life, which shows that even thus early his 
soldierly qualities were well developed. " Whilst 
Ralegh was a scholar at Oxford," relates Lord 
Bacon, " there was a cowardly fellow, who hap' 
pened to be a very good archer ; but having been 
grossly abused by another, he bemoaned himself to 
Ralegh, and asked his advice what he should do 
to repair the wrong that had been offered to him. 
* Why,' promptly answered Ralegh, ' challenge him 
to a match of shooting ! ' " 

These happy and triumphant college days, how- 
ever, came suddenly to an end. A temptation was 
offered to Ralegh to set out suddenly upon a 
stirring career of war and adventure, which his 
spirited and ambitious nature could not resist ; 
and before he had been at Oriel three years, he 
one day bade adieu to its tranquil cloisters, em- 
braced his young friends, and throwing himself 
upon his horse, galloped away to London. There 
he would meet his valiant cousin, Henry Champer- 
non, and, with him, would depart for far different 
scenes from those of ancient and scholastic Ox- 
ford, 



1 6 RALEGH 




CHAPTER II. 

RALEGH A SOLDIER. 

T happened that, at this time, a bitter 
conflict was going on in France, between 
the persecuted Huguenots, or Protestants, 
and the cruel government of the Catholic King 
Charles the Ninth. The poor Huguenots had 
long been down-trodden, and visited with the most 
relentless tyranny. But they had survived all 
these injuries, and now included in their number 
many of the ablest and noblest men in France. 
Among these were the great Prince of Conde and 
Admiral Coligny. At the head of the Huguenot 
party was the brave and brilliant Queen of Na- 
varre. 

Of course the English, who had now become 
ardent Protestants, warmly sympathized with the 
cause of the Huguenots. Queen Elizabeth, who 
had succeeded her sister Mary on the English 
throne, did not dare to openly espouse the Hugue- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 7 

not side; but she connived at the expeditions 
which were formed by spirited young Englishmen, 
and which repaired to France to join their arms 
with those of the valiant Conde and Coligny. 

One of the most active young cavaliers, who 
saw in the Huguenot conflict an opportunity to 
engage in an exciting enterprise, and to win the 
laurels of war, was Henry Champernon, Walter 
Ralegh's cousin. Champernon gathered about 
him a force of one hundred ambitious youths, the 
flower of English blood and chivalry ; many of 
them the sons of noblemen of high rank. The 
skilful fingers of fair maidens worked for them a 
richly-embroidered banner, on which their motto, 
*^Finem det mihi virtusl' was emblazoned in gold 
and silver thread. Their costumes were costly 
and brilliant ; and four vessels were anchored in 
the Thames, ready to speed them to the shores of 
France when the appointed hour came. 

Walter Ralegh hastened up to London with 
high hopes and fluttering heart. His cousin 
Champernon greeted him, on his arrival at the 
quaint old inn which was the rendezvous of the 
band of adventurers, with a warm embrace ; and 
Ralegh was soon " hail fellow well met " with all 



l8 RALEGH : 

the young cavaliers who were to be his comrades 
in the approaching voyage and adventures. He 
hastened to make every necessary preparation ; 
and ere long found himself fully equipped with a 
bran-new suit of military clothes, and armed with 
the best weapons that London afforded. 

It was on a hazy, September day, in 1569, that 
the band of youthful warriors went on board the 
vessels, and the little fleet, with colors flying and 
the voyagers gathered on the decks, floated down 
the Thames toward the sea. As the white cliffs 
of England faded from the view, the more level 
and inviting coast of France appeared in the hori- 
zon ; and the next morning the fleet had lost sight 
of land altogether. 

After a smooth passage, unbroken by any note- 
worthy incident, though the voyagers kept an 
anxious lookout for French and Spanish cruisers, 
the towers and spires of La Rochelle, the head- 
quarters of the Huguenot forces, appeared beyond 
the boisterous waves of the Bay of Biscay. The 
port was soon reached, and the four vessels an- 
chored at the dock. 

A great multitude of the inhabitants were gath- 
ered on the wharves to welcome the brave young 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I9 

Englishmen, who formed in line and marched 
through the crowd to their quarters in the fortress, 
their embroidered banner waving in the sunlight 
at their head. After resting and refreshing them- 
selves, they repaired to the Queen of Navarre, 
who, with the young princess, greeted them with 
tearful gratitude, and encouraged them with elo- 
quent words and brilliant promises of renown. It 
was not without a thrill of satisfaction that Cham- 
pernon and his companions learned that they would 
not be compelled to lie idle long at La Rochelle, 
but would at once proceed to the battle-field and 
enter upon active service. 

A few days after their arrival the young cav- 
aliers set out to join the Huguenot army under 
Coligny. Their first experience, however, was an 
untoward one ; for, as they were advancing to join 
their arms with those of the French rebels, they 
met the retreating forces of the Count of Nassau. 
But the English band had, soon after, occasion to 
show their valor and mettle at the famous battle 
of Moncontour. 

Walter Ralegh's career in the conflicts of France 
remains to this day shrouded in obscurity ; for no 
account remains of his exploits, or those of his 



20 RALEGH t 

comrades. But we may well believe that they 
proved themselves valiant and sturdy, and that 
they shared the laurels of the self-devoted Hugue- 
nots in their struggle for their religious liberties. 

It is, however, probable that Walter Ralegh was 
in Paris when the dreadful massacre of St. Bar- 
tholomew .took place, in 1572 ; and that he, with 
the chivalrous Sir Philip Sidney and other English 
knights, took refuge in the house of the English 
ambassador, to escape the fury of the myrmidons 
of the French king. He remained in France 
about six years, and during that long period, not 
only engaged in the civil war, but took careful note 
of all he saw and heard. He had an inquiring 
mind, and was eager to store it with knowledge; 
and it was in France, too, that he undoubtedly 
acquired that ripe polish and courtliness of bearing 
which were in years to come to so well serve his 
fortunes at home. 

He afterwards wrote accounts of some of the 
curious things which he observed in France. One 
of these curiosities he thus describes : " I saw 
certain caves in Languedoc which had but one 
entrance, and that very narrow, cut out in the 
midway of high rocks, which we knew not how to 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 21 

enter by any ladder or engine ; till, at last, by cer- 
tain bundles of straw, let down by an iron chain, 
and a weighty stone in the midst, those that de- 
fended it were so smothered that they rendered 
themselves prisoners, with their plate, money, and 
other goods therein hidden." 

At last Walter Ralegh returned home to England. 
He had gone forth a slim and ruddy-cheeked youth 
of seventeen. When he once more trod his native 
ground, he was a tall, broad-shouldered, bronze- 
featured young man of twenty-four ; his rich, brown 
hair fell in long, curly locks to his shoulders ; his 
lip and chin were covered with a glossy beard. 
He was conspicuous for his manly beauty, and his 
soldier-like, yet refined and graceful manners. 

After paying a visit to his parents in Devon, he 
returned to London, there to pursue his fortunes in 
the great urban world. He took rooms in the 
Middle Temple, a building for the most part occu- 
pied by lawyers ; but Ralegh had other and more 
stirring ambitions than to become an advocate. 
At this time he led a life of pleasure, awaiting the 
course of events, confident that new fields of ad- 
venture and action would soon stretch out before 
him. 



22 RALEGH I 

Such an opportunity soon occurred. A war 
broke out in Holland, where the proud Don John 
of Austria, the brother of the King of Spain, was 
striving to subject the brave Dutch to his despotic 
rule. Queen Elizabeth hastened to send aid to 
the oppressed people. An expedition, under the 
command of Sir John Norris, set out for Holland, 
and in this Walter Ralegh eagerly sought and 
readily obtained a command.' 

This adventure was a brief but brilliant one. 
Norris met the forces of Don John at Rinemant, 
and by a shrewd stratagem succeeded in routing 
the haughty Spaniard and his troops. In this 
achievement Ralegh took a conspicuous and heroic 
part. His long and perilous service in France 
had trained him into a daring, accomplished, and 
skilful warrior. He had learned to love the din of 
the battle-field, the stirring sound of trumpet and 
drum, the impetuous onset, and the desperate 
encounter arm to arm. It was sweet to him to 
follow, with clattering hoof and hoarse voice, the 
fast-retreating foe ; to mount the deserted citadel, 
and plant the victorious banner on its summit. 

He was not a little disappointed, therefore, to 
find the campaign in Holland so brief. But on 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 23 

returning once more to London, he found a new 
and very different sort of adventure ready for his 
undertaking. 

His half brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, whose 
ambition had long been excited by voyages of dis- 
covery, had made up his mind to set out upon 
such a voyage himself. His destination was the 
still mysterious continent of America. He busied 
himself getting together and fitting up a small 
squadron of vessels, of which he himself proposed 
to take the command ; and Walter Ralegh reached 
London just in time to enter with eager delight 
into Sir Humphrey's plans. Sir Humphrey was 
only too glad to assent to his brave young broth- 
er's prayer that he might go on the expedition, 
too; and Walter made all haste to complete his 
preparations for the voyage. 

In due time the squadron dropped down the 
English Channel, and put to sea. Walter was on 
the flag-ship with Sir Humphrey. It was his first 
experience of '' life on the ocean wave," and he 
took the keenest interest in all that went forward 
on shipboard. He watched the various operations 
of the seamen ; the methods of ascertaining the 
longitude and latitude of the ship's position ; the 



24 RALEGH : 

various arrangements and management of the 
sails ; and the discipline which was imposed on 
the crew. As his own duties were light, he spent 
much of his time while on board in study. He 
made it a rule only to allo^y five hours for sleep ; 
and to devote at least four hours a day to his 
books. Meanwhile, he shared the rough life of 
the sailors, and endured the same hardships of 
sea life to which the humblest of the men were 
subjected. He treated them, moreover, as his 
equals, and was never tired of listening to their 
yarns of the perils they had witnessed and the 
strange lands they had seen. 

All of a sudden, one morning, an event took 
place which resulted in a fatal loss to the expedi- 
tion. The crew of one of the largest ships rose in 
mutiny. The officers were deprived of their com- 
mands, and before Sir Humphrey Gilbert could 
recover possession of the ship, it had parted com- 
pany with the rest, and had sailed away. Nor was 
this desertion the only misfortune he was destined 
to encounter ; for soon after the mutineers had 
departed, some Spanish cruisers bore down upon 
the squadron, and fiercely assailed it. The cruisers 
proved too strong for Sir Humphrey's ships, and 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 2$ 

his only course was to put on all sail and get away 
from them. In this he succeeded ; but only after 
several of his ships had been badly damaged by 
the Spaniards. 

In this sad plight the squadron put in at Ports- 
mouth, and all thought of resuming the expedition 
was abandoned. Walter Ralegh now found his 
time once more on his hands, and returned to 
London, to keep a sharp eye out for new adven- 
tures. He had, at least, attracted the attention of 
Queen Elizabeth and some of her greatest court- 
iers. Among these was the elegant and chivalrous 
Earl of Leicester, who, at this period, was the 
queen's special favorite. Ralegh succeeded in 
winning Leicester's friendship ; and this event was 
destined to have an important influence on the 
young man's after life. 

A bitter rebellion had recently broken out in 
Ireland, owing to the oppressions of the English. 
It at last became necessary to send thither a con- 
siderable force to put down the revolt ; and in this 
force Ralegh went as captain of a company of 
cavalry. Although he was eager once more to test 
his warlike mettle, he did not like the service on 
which he was being sent to Ireland. He shrank 



26 RALEGH *. 

from shedding the blood of a people who were 
struggling for their liberty. *' I disdain this 
charge," he said to the Earl of Leicester, "as 
much as to keep sheep." 

But Ralegh's ambition prevailed over his scru- 
ples. He was determined to rise and to win war- 
like fame ; and so he suppressed the better im- 
pulses of his heart, and went forth to fight the 
Irish rebels. 

Once on Irish soil, he plunged with vigor and 
ardor into the campaign. On every field he showed 
dauntless valor, and won the admiration and devo- 
tion of his men. His compunctions soon disap- 
peared, and he became severe, and even cruel, to 
the Irish whom he fought and captured. 

On one occasion, having noticed that, after an 
English force had left an encampment, the Irish 
swarmed into it, he lay in ambush for them with 
his troop, and succeeded in capturing a number of 
them. He observed that one of these prisoners 
had a bundle of rope under his arm. 

"What are you going to do with that rope?" 
Ralegh sternly asked the man. 

" Hang the English churls," was the fierce and 
rash reply. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 2*J 

** Is it SO ? " returned the captain. " It shall 
now serve for an Irish rebel." 

And he forthwith ordered the man to be hung 
with his own rope. 

Another adventure of Ralegh's, which happened 
during his sojourn in Ireland, is more to his credit. 
He was going, with his company, to take posses- 
sion of the castle of a certain rebellious lord near 
Cork. On the way, the rebels were waiting in 
ambush near a river, in order to attack him by sur- 
prise. Their plot nearly succeeded ; for Ralegh's 
force was small, and was advancing in a careless, 
disorderly fashion. After a sharp fight, however, 
the little English troop prevailed over their assail- 
ants. In the midst of the struggle, a friend of 
Ralegh's, named Moyle, fell with his horse into a 
deep bog near the scene of conflict. He was sur- 
rounded by several of the Irish, who would speed- 
ily have put him to death, had not Ralegh, per- 
ceiving his friend's peril, hastened to his rescue. 
Just as he reached Moyle, he was suddenly thrown 
from his horse by an Irishman, and was fovced to 
fight his friend's assailants on foot, standing ankle- 
deep in the bog. At least twenty Irishmen at- 
tacked him ; but with sword and pistol the gallant 



28 RALEGH : 

cavalier held them at bay, until his soldiers could 
come up and drive them back. This heroic deed 
was soon known throughout Ireland, and gave 
Ralegh a high reputation for courage. 

The next scene of his service was at the siege 
of a fort at Smerwick, in southern Ireland. Ralegh 
commanded the operations of the siege ; and when 
the fort was at last taken, he entered the town at 
the head of his troops, and dealt a terrible ven- 
geance upon the Irish rebels for their resistance. 
Many of them were put to death in the streets. 
This massacre, in which Ralegh himself probably 
took part, is a dark blot on his renown. 

At last, Ralegh was made the military governor 
of the province of Munster. This was a high 
trust and distinction for so young a soldier ; but 
he soon proved that he was well fitted to fill such 
an office. Many stories are told of his deeds of 
gallantry, and his hair-breadth escapes during the 
progress of the war. More than once his horse 
was killed under him, and his life was in the most 
serious peril ; but his coolness and pluck always 
brought him safe out of danger. He thus won 
the devotion and love of his soldiers wherever he 
was in command. They proudly followed a chief 
so fearless and so knightly. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 2g 

One of the last of Ralegh's exploits while in 
Ireland was his adventure at a castle called Bally, 
and his capture of Lord Roche, its proprietor. 
Lord Roche was one of the most powerful of the 
Irish rebels, and had gathered a large force of his 
adherents and retainers, to defend Bally Castle 
from capture by the English. 

This bold lord had long been a source of annoy- 
ance to Ralegh ; and at last he made up his mind 
to make the noble rebel a prisoner. Unfortu- 
nately, Ralegh had but a small force at his com- 
mand. Bally Castle was twenty miles from Cork, 
in which city Ralegh had his headquarters ; and it 
was no easy matter to march troops that distance, 
and take the castle by surprise. Yet Ralegh set 
out early one morning with his little troop, which 
was to be followed as speedily as possible by an- 
other company. 

He had not got far on the road when he learned 
that an ambush of eight hundred Irishmen lay 
in wait for him just ahead. He quickly led his 
soldiers aside, across some fields, and by rapid 
marching and adroit movement escaped this dan- 
ger. But it was not the last which he was to 
encounter on his way ; for on approaching Bally, he 



30 RALEGH : 

was confronted by a mob of some five hundred 
villagers and farm-laborers, rudely armed, but 
resolved to check his advance. By a skilful 
manoeuvre, Ralegh managed to elude these, as he 
had done the body of Irish in ambuscade; and, 
selecting six stalwart and trusty comrades, he hur- 
ried up to the castle gates. There he demanded 
an interview with Lord Roche. The guard replied 
that he might enter, but that only two of his com- 
panions could go in with him. As Ralegh and 
two of his soldiers entered the gates, however, 
the other three managed to slip in behind them 
without being perceived. While Ralegh and his 
comrades ascended into the castle hall, these three, 
who had remained behind, suddenly reopened the 
gates, and before the Irish guard knew what was 
going forward, the entire English troop were drawn 
up in battle array in the courtyard. 

Meanwhile Ralegh, confronting Lord Roche in 
the castle hall, told him plainly that he must go 
back with the English to Cork. At first the 
sturdy baron refused ; but finding that his castle 
was in full possession of Ralegh's soldiers, and 
that resistance was useless, he reluctantly yielded. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. J I 

That night, which was a wild and stormy one, 
Ralegh and his troop set out from Bally Castle, 
with the captured lord in their midst. On their 
way back to Cork, they were repeatedly assailed by 
guerilla bands of the Irish ; but in each instance 
the assailants were driven back, though several of 
Ralegh's bravest soldiers were left mortally wounded 
by the roadside. 

When he entered Cork with his formidable pris- 
oner, he was greeted with an excited welcome by 
his brother officers and the garrison ; the news of 
the exploit, which was the most brilliant and dar- 
ing of the war, extended not only through Ireland, 
but reached the ears of the queen and her court 
at home ; and Ralegh's praises resounded far and 
near. 



32 RALEGH : 




CHAPTER III. 

RALEGH A COURTIER. 

ALTER RALEGH at last returned home 
from Ireland, crowned with the laurels 
of military fame, and eager to pursue the 
upward path towards higher renown and power. 
He was now thirty years of age, and in the full 
ripeness of manly bearing and beauty ; and had 
already seen enough of active and stirring service 
to give him a thorough knowledge of the world, and 
a yet more ardent desire to play a great part in its 
affairs. It was not long before he appeared upon 
a far more brilliant scene than the military camp, 
or the grim, rude fortress. 

One day, the ancient palace of Greenwich, 
which stood on the banks of the Thames, a few 
miles below London, presented a lively and bril- 
liant scene. The palace was thronged with court- 
iers, arrayed in all the gorgeous colors and glitter- 
ing ornaments which the ingenuity of the age 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 33 

could devise. Grave statesmen, all beruffled, and 
their white beards carefully trimmed and daintily 
pointed ; fine young cavaliers, sparkling with gems, 
attired in rich velvets and long plumes, and armed 
with gold-hilted swords ; stately dames, with heavy 
and gayly trimmed trains ; beautiful belles of high 
degree, grouped in dazzling knots, were gathered 
on the thick green lawn beneath the palace portals ; 
while the trumpets gave forth inspiriting sounds, 
and lines of soldiers were drawn up along the bank. 

Presently there was a stir and a flutter in the 
gorgeous crowd ; for now appeared, descending 
the broad flight of steps, with proud and majestic 
mien, the tall and slender figure of the maiden 
Queen of England. 

The haughty Elizabeth was then in the ^mature 
ripeness of middle age, but she still preserved not 
a few remnants of the beauty of her youth. Her 
form, though slight, was straight and well propor- 
tioned. Her complexion was still wonderfully fair 
and smooth ; her large blue eyes were still bright 
and expressive. One of her greatest beauties was 
her white, small, and delicate hands. She was 
very proud of her hands ; and one old envoy, 
who often talked with her, says that at every 



34 RALEGH : 

audience he had with her, she kept pulling off 
her gloves, so as to display them. Her hair was 
a light red, and very plentiful, and most carefully 
arranged. Her face was full of pride ; but when 
she was pleased, her expression melted into one of 
the most engaging sweetness. Her voice, too, was 
clear and musical, and added to the charm of her 
gracious smile. Her person was fairly ablaze with 
the largest and most precious jewels, for which she 
had an extravagant fondness : and her attire was 
splendid, far beyond that of any of the ladies of her 
court. A large, fan-like collar of richest lace rose 
from her slender neck above her head behind ; and 
her golden tresses were combed high from her 
forehead. 

On this afternoon, a heavy shower had just 
passed over ; and even now the sun, bursting 
through the fast-vanishing clouds, cast its rays 
upon the trees still dripping with glittering drops. 

The queen, surrounded by the gay group of 
ladies and courtiers, set forth upon a promenade 
through her park, chatting affably with this one 
and that, as, with stately carriage, she passed 
along. Musical laughter rang through the copses 
of oak and chestnut ; fine-bred dogs trotted and 




Kalegh spreading his Cloak before the Queen. Page 35. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 3$ 

scented in the midst of the party ; and it seemed 
that the court of Elizabeth was indeed a merry and 
a mirthful one. 

Pretty soon the queen came to a place where a 
muddy spot, formed by the recent rain, crossed 
her path. Her dainty feet were incased in hand- 
some shoes, and when she saw the puddle, she 
stopped, perplexed how to cross it without soil- 
ing them. At that instant one of the courtiers, 
more elegantly attired than the majority of his 
companions, stepped forward, and throwing off his 
richly embroidered cloak, spread it over the muddy 
place, and bowed gallantly to the queen. Eliza- 
beth, delighted at so chivalrous an act, rewarded 
the cavalier with her brightest smile, and lightly 
tripped across the extemporized carpet thus laid 
for her. 

The courtiers and ladies glanced with admira- 
tion, not unmingled with envy, at the young gal- 
lant who had so readily pleased their mistress j and 
during the rest of the promenade, Elizabeth kept 
him at her side, and gave him many a gracious and 
grateful glance. 

The cavalier — who was none other than Walter 
Ralegh — was well fitted to attract the favor of 



36 RALEGH : 

the sentimental queen. He was at that time six 
feet high, nobly formed, as straight as an arrow, 
and had a fine, manly bearing, which distinguished 
him above the other courtiers. His dark hair 
fell in luxuriant ringlets over his neck ; his clear, 
ruddy complexion and bright eyes and fine brown 
beard added to the attractiveness of his appearance ; 
while the grace and eloquence of his speech 
charmed all who talked with him. 

Ralegh pleased the queen also by the splendor 
of his dress. His white satin vest, his brown, 
finely-flowered doublet embroidered with pearls, 
his rich sword-belt, his fringed white satin garters, 
his buff-colored shoes studded with jewels and 
tied with dainty white ribbons, his wide hat, to 
which the long black plume was fastened with an 
enormous ruby, made him a gorgeous object 
indeed. 

After this incident in the park, Ralegh very 
rapidly rose in the favor of the queen, and in 
position at her pleasure-loving court. Elizabeth, 
being fond of handsome, and especially of witty 
and eloquent young men, grew more and more 
attached to him every day. He was almost con- 
stantly at the palace, and his brother courtiers 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 37 

whispered in his ear that he would soon be the 
ruling favorite. He enjoyed all the sweets of 
praise and flattery, and began to dream dazzling 
dreams of the power and riches which seemed 
almost within his grasp. It was not long before 
he became known as a polished poet. His verses 
were read in the luxurious halls of the palace with 
exclamations of delight; while the tales of his 
military exploits were eagerly repeated from mouth 
to mouth. 

It was not long after the adventure of the cloak, 
that Ralegh was standing, one day, in the recess of 
a window of the palace, a little apart from the spot 
where the queen was chatting vivaciously with the 
wits and beauties of her court. Seizing a moment 
when his royal mistress's glance was directed to- 
wards him, he pulled a diamond ring off his finger, 
and with the diamond quickly scratched a line on the 
window-pane, and then sauntered leisurely away. 

Elizabeth saw him do this, and burning with 
curiosity to know what the cavalier had traced, 
escaped from the group around her, and hurried 
to the window. There she read, written in a 
dainty hand, this Ime : 

*' Fain would I climb, but that I tear to fall." 



38 RALEGH : 

She understood the meaning at once; and taking 
her own diamond, she wrote, just underneath, the 
following response, completing the rhyme : 

" If thy heart fail thee, do not climb at all." 

Ralegh was filled with joy on reading this en- 
couraging reply ; for he knew that the queen 
meant to hint to him that he should grow bolder 
in his attentions toward her. This hint he was not 
slow to accept. He became more ardent than ever 
in his advances to the susceptible royal lady, and 
she received them with a coquettish pleasure which 
made Ralegh's heart beat high with hope. It is 
very likely that he soon began to flatter himself 
that the maiden queen might yet bestow her royal 
heart and hand upon him ; and it is certain that 
he bent all his energies to win her affection. 

But he had at least one formidable rival in pur- 
suit of the queen's special favor. His old friend, 
the courtly Earl of Leicester, had once been the 
favorite, but had fallen under Elizabeth's displeas- 
ure. But the impulsive and jealous young Earl of 
Essex attracted her notice, and was as determined 
as Ralegh himself to win her exclusive pref- 
erence. There grew up a bitter rivalry between 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 39 

the two ; but Elizabet|i was a skilful coquette, 
and succeeded in making each of her lovers think 
that he was the favored one. 

Meanwhile, Ralegh plunged with all the ardor 
and vigor of his nature into the gay and giddy pas- 
times of the court ; and there never was a royal 
court more absorbed in dazzling pageantry and 
chivalric pleasures than that of Elizabeth. There 
were famous tournaments in the royal pleasure- 
grounds, over which the queen, decked out in all 
her extravagant finery, presided, and in which she 
dispensed the prizes of victory with her own royal 
hand. Sometimes the jousting was between two 
bands of richly attired cavaliers, who met with 
stout combat of lances on the field, and contested 
the palm in closely-serried ranks. At other times, 
the tournament would be held between two an- \ 
tagonists alone, who struggled with obstinate 
pluck to send each other sprawling upon the 
thick turf. Elizabeth and her high-born dames 
watched these encounters with breathless interest ; 
and pleased indeed was she, when she could award 
the palm of triumph to her favored Walter Ralegh. 
This, indeed, often happened ; for there was no 
more stalwart or skilful arm, no more impetuous 



40 RALEGH : 

courage than his among all the warriors and nobles 
of the court. 

Other diversions served to beguile the time. 
There were Italian masquerades, held in the palace 
halls late at night, when all the lords and ladies 
appeared in costumes the most magnificent as 
well as quaint and curious ; and in these the hand- 
some figure of Walter Ralegh was one of the most 
conspicuous and attractive. 

Queen Elizabeth was very fond of making what 
were called " progresses " through her dominions. 
She would journey, with a numerous and brilliant 
retinue, from castle to castle and from hall to 
manor-house, receiving the lavish hospitalities of 
her great nobles, who were, of course, only too proud 
to receive their sovereign beneath their roofs, and 
placed no limit on the expense of her entertain- 
ment. In these progresses, Walter Ralegh often 
formed one of her gay escort ; and thus he shared 
the splendid festivities which graced her sojourn in 
the various places, and at the same time made 
familiar acquaintance with some of the most power- 
ful patricians, statesmen, and soldiers in England. 

Splendid, indeed, in its galaxy of brilliant and 
talented men, was at that time the court of the 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 4I 

maiden queen. Besides Ralegh, there were the 
loble and chivalrous Sir Philip Sidney, whose life 
fvas a romance of adventure, heroism, and gal- 
lantry ; the sage and sedate Lord Burleigh, whose 
shake of the head was so significant ; the graceful 
Sir Christopher Hatton, who, at fifty, was noted as 
the finest dancer in the kingdom, and who was one 
of Ralegh's most formidable rivals for the affection 
of the queen ; young Francis Bacon, already begin- 
ning a career which was to become so lofty, and 
was to end in a gloom so dismal ; and many 
another knight and noble, whose names still live 
in the history of that picturesque time. 

But Ralegh's life at court, favored and prosper- 
ous as it was, was not without its trials and tribu- 
lations. So rapid an elevation as his was sure to 
arouse many enemies. Sir Christopher Hatton 
was full of jealous anger to see the queen lavish- 
ing her smiles upon this upstart young cavalier, 
and wrote piteous letters to her, begging her to 
snub Ralegh ; which she answered with such 
cunning coquetry as to soothe the love-sick 
knight's agitated soul. 

Old Lord Burleigh, too, the queen's wisest and 
most trusted counsellor, disliked Ralegh, and tried 



42 RALEGH : 

to win the queen away from him ; but Ralegh's 
handsome face and form, the sweet speeches he 
whispered into her ear, the ever flattering gallantry 
of his manner towards her, his poetry and his wit, 
were too strong to be overcome by the gray- 
headed old statesman's protestations. 

The preference of the queen and the flatteries 
of the court seem to have been a little too much 
for Ralegh's self-control ; for he grew somewhat 
haughty and arrogant, and thus alienated from him 
many who had at first been his ardent friends and 
admirers. 

Despite all this, Ralegh's star was still in the 
ascendant. As time advanced, he received proof 
after proof of the queen's affection for him ; nor 
could all the efforts of his enemies displace him 
from her heart. 

Elizabeth took it into her head, at one time, to 
get married ; and casting her eye abroad for a 
husband of royal rank, picked out an ugly, pock- 
marked little prince, the Duke of Anjou, as her 
spouse to-be. It became necessary to send an 
embassy to Holland, where the duke was, to ar- 
range the matter. The Earl of Leicester, Ra- 
legh's early friend, had now become reconciled to 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 43 

the queen ; and he was selected to be the chief 
envoy. With him went Ralegh and Sir Philip 
Sidney, and a fine array of young noblemen and 
officers. They crossed over to Holland in fifteen 
gaily decked-out vessels. 

The embassy was received with great pomp by 
William the Silent, Prince of Orange, and was 
entertained with lavish splendor. With this great 
soldier and statesman Ralegh soon became inti- 
mate. William liked the spirited young courtier, 
and Ralegh venerated the hero of so many bitter 
struggles ; and after the rest of the English em- 
bassy had gone home, Ralegh still lingered a while 
with his new and famous friend. The projected 
marriage with the Duke of Anjou never came to 
anything ; for after all, Elizabeth could not make 
up her mind to accept so repulsive a person as her 
husband. 

Not long after Ralegh's return from Holland, he 
received new evidences of the queen's favor. He 
was appointed "Warden of the Stannaries," or 
Cornwall and Devon mines, from which he derived 
each year a large income. Then, two years later, 
he succeeded his old rival, Sir Christopher Hatton, 
as captain of the Queen's Guard ; so that now he 



44 RALEGH : 

was charged with the protection of her person, and 
attended her in gorgeous attire, at the head of his 
troop, wherever she went. The Queen's Guards 
were all selected for their size and good looks, and 
their uniform was the most showy in England. 
Other substantial favors which the queen conferred 
on Ralegh, were the right to export broadcloths, 
which brought him enormous profits ; the " farm- 
ing of wines," which gave him the right to grant 
licenses everywhere in England to sell wines, an- 
other large source of income; the office of Lord 
Lieutenant of Cornwall ; and that of Vice Admiral 
of Devon. 

Already Ralegh had received certain estates in 
Ireland, which had been confiscated from their 
rebellious native owners ; and now, with all the 
other privileges and licenses which have been 
mentioned, he was fast becoming a very rich man ; 
and the richer he grew, the more splendidly and 
extravagantly did he dress, and the more parade 
did he make of his state and show. Meanwhile the 
conviction of Anthony Babington, a rich Catholic 
gentleman, for plotting to assassinate the queen, 
enabled Elizabeth to lavish a larger gift than ever 
before upon her favorite ; for she gave Ralegh aU 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 45 

Babington's large estates, which lay in five coun- 
ties, and included several manors, castles, and fine 
parks and game preserves. 

It was towards the close of his life at court, that 
Walter Ralegh first saw a fair young girl, whose 
career was afterwards to be strangely mixed up 
with his own. Lady Arabella Stuart, who had 
royal blood in her veins, and who, it then seemed, 
might very likely reign over England as its queen, 
arrived at the court ; and, though she was but 
twelve years of age, at once attracted Ralegh's 
attention, not only by reason of her extraordinary 
beauty, but by her surprising brightness of mind. 
It is said that she was already a finished French and 
Italian scholar, and that her dancing and musical 
talents would have done credit to an accomplished 
court damsel of twenty-five. Ralegh saw this 
young paragon for the first time at a supper given 
in her honor at the house of old Lord Burleigh ; 
and, though he himself was more than double her 
age, was so fascinated by her that he forgot to use 
his knife and fork. Lord Burleigh, observing his 
intentness, whispered to him, with a sly look, — 

" All, Walter, 'tis a pity she is not more than 
fifteen." 



46 RALEGH : 

" It would be a very happy thing," replied Ra- 
legh, with a smile. He little thought how his fate 
was to be woven with that of the fair and bright 
young Arabella in darker days to come. 

Not long after this remarkable meeting, Ralegh's 
star began to decline at court. Elizabeth, senti- 
mental as she was, was also fickle; her fancy 
lightly passed from one gallant to another. For 
some time Leicester, who had once been her sole 
favorite, and who desired to regain her favor, had 
been growing jealous of his young friend Ralegh's 
ascendancy ; and he had put forward the youthful 
and impetuous Earl of Essex, for the purpose of 
dividing the queen's affections. His plan seems 
to have at last succeeded ; for Elizabeth now took 
a violent fancy to Essex, and Ralegh soon found 
that his power over her heart was waning. 

At last, a mysterious quarrel, the cause of which 
is not certainly known, took place between them. 
It was probably brought about by Ralegh's jeal- 
ousy. At all events, the queen affronted him before 
the whole court, and Ralegh retired to his cham- 
bers overwhelmed with humiliation and grief. But 
his proud and adventurous spirit was not to be 
quelled or daunted, even by so serious an event. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 47 

He soon recovered his haughty bearing, and 
showed Elizabeth and the courtiers that he was far 
from being crushed by her displeasure. Finding 
that his influence at court was waning, he turned, 
like the courageous man he was, to a more stir- 
ring occupation than that of dangling about a 
fickle queen in palaces and castles. Happily, an 
opportunity was not long in presenting itself; and 
Ralegh seized it with the eager enthusiasm of one 
whose ambition longed for conquest and the renown 
of discovery. 



48 RALEGH ; 



CHAPTER IV. 

RALEGH AS A COLONIZER. 



HILE Ralegh had been at court> he had 
by no means confined himself solely to its 
pleasures and gayeties. He had never 
lost his boyish love of the sea, his hatred of Eng- 
land's Spanish rival, or his ardent desire to emulate 
the triumphs of Vasco da Gama, Cortez, and Co- 
lumbus. His thoughts were ever wandering away 
to far distant and savage climes. He often gazed 
longingly after the fleets which set forth, from 
time to time, on new voyages of discovery; and 
fancied his own name linked with those of the 
great colonizers of the age. 

It seems that, for many years, it had been a 
conjecture of the navigators, that China and the 
rest of Asia might be reached by sailing northwest- 
ward from Europe. Vasco da Gama had found a 
passage to the East around the Cape of Good 
Hope J and Magellan had discovered a similar 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 49 

passage by way of Cape Horn. Both of these 
expeditions had succeeded by southern passages. 
Could not, it was asked, passages be found to the 
same goal by proceeding northward also ? 

This idea finally took a strong hold on the mind 
of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Walter Ralegh's gal- 
lant and ambitious half-brother. With a sturdy 
vigor all his own, Gilbert had no sooner con- 
ceived the project than he set about putting it 
into execution. His zeal had been greatly stim- 
ulated by the voyage of the intrepid Sir Francis 
Drake. That sturdy sailor returned from his voy- 
age around the world in 1580, in the good ship 
''Golden Hind," bringing with him not only aston- 
ishing stories of the countries and peoples he had 
seen, but his vessels laden with precious treasures 
which he had taken from Spanish galleons. Mean- 
while, Frobisher had made his successful voyages 
to the North American coast. 

Sir Humphrey Gilbert's design now was to es- 
tablish a colony in Newfoundland, and make that 
the basis of expeditions to the northwest. In this 
project his brother, Walter Ralegh, eagerly joined 
him. The two brothers fitted out a small fleet of 
five vessels, in one of which, the " Squirrel," the 



50 RALEGH : 

doughty Sir Humphrey himself sailed, Ralegh 
remaining at home. This fleet set out from Plym- 
outh in the early summer of 1583. Ralegh then 
affectionately embraced his brother, and with 
much emotion bade him adieu. He was destined 
never to see Humphrey's handsome face again. 

The expedition was unfortunate from the start. 
Scarcely had the vessels got to sea, when one of 
them, the ''Ralegh," deserted its companions. 
Having at last reached the American coast, Gilbert 
found it impossible to establish his intended colony 
there ; for his men were restless and lawless, and 
at last insisted on returning to England. Gilbert 
found himself forced to yield to their angry de- 
mand, and accordingly re-embarked. The vessel 
in which he himself sailed, the " Squirrel," proved 
to be very unseaworthy, and his officers begged 
him to go on board a sounder ship. But the gal- 
lant commander replied, — 

" No ; I will not forsake my little company going 
homeward, with whom I have shared so many 
storms and perils." 

When the "Golden Hind," the best of the ships, 
came near to the " Squirrel," Sir Humphrey called 
out cheerily to those on board, — 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 5' 

" Be of good heart, my friends ; we are as neat 
to heaven by sea as by land ! " 

It was the last time his comrades on the 
" Golden Hind " ever heard his voice. That night 
the " Squirrel " was sailing a little in advance of 
the other ships. As they looked, the sailors on 
the "Golden Hind" saw the commander's frail 
bark lurch and heave, and then sink suddenly and 
forever beneath the waves. Thus the brave Sir 
Humphrey Gilbert, in the flower of his age, and 
in the zenith of his renown, found a watery grave. 

Ralegh was overwhelmed with grief when the 
"Golden Hind" reached home, bringing the news 
of his heroic brother's death, f But this sad intelli- 
gence, far from discouraging him, only lent new 
energy to Ralegh's schemes. But he no longer 
thought of Newfoundland, or the northwest pas- 
sage to Asia. He turned his attention to the 
milder and richer regions of the southern coast of 
North America. He knew that while the Span- 
iards had won and still held Florida and Mexico, 
the coast just north of Florida, and that of north- 
ern South America, had not as yet been settled by 
any rival colony. He had, at this time, still 
enough influence with Queen Elizabeth to obtain 



52 RALEGH I 

her aid in his new plans ; and obtained from her 
the right to establish colonies in any region not 
already occupied, and to himself have the absolute 
government of such colonies as he might plant. 

With his ample wealth, the indefatigable Ra- 
legh found no trouble in fitting out an expedi- 
tion ; and, the year after Sir Humphrey's sad end, 
he sent forth two vessels, commanded by Philip 
Amadas and Arthur Barbour, to explore the coast 
of the Carolinas. Ralegh himself was not yet 
ready to go, for he was resolved to remain at court 
and face his enemies there. 

The voyage of the two vessels was a very fortu- 
nate one, and the captains returned to tell a glow- 
ing tale of what they had seen on the American 
shores. The balmy atmosphere, the earth teeming 
with luscious fruits and brilliant flowers ; the fine- 
looking and friendly savages ; the beautiful harbors 
and rivers ; the plentiful game and abundance of 
delicious fish, the magnificent forests, the spice- 
laden breezes, — these were the subjects of their 
enthusiastic descriptions. 

The queen, delighted with the account of the 
expedition which Ralegh gave her, at once named 
the fair country thus made known by the captains, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 53 

"Virginia," that men might know that the country, 
was explored in the time of the virgin queen. 

Ralegh was wild with delight, and could not 
rest until he had begun his preparations to follow 
up this expedition by another and larger one. So 
busy was he with these engrossing plans, that he 
was now rarely seen at court. He spent his time 
inspecting his new fleet, studying his charts, and 
selecting the men to whom to confide the new 
venture. A fleet of seven vessels, with one hun- 
dred colonists, among whom was a famous math- 
ematician named Thomas Hariot, and a sea-worn 
voyager, Thomas Cavendish, set sail in April, 
1585, under the command of Sir Richard Gren- 
ville. The second in command was Ralph Lane. 
Ralegh promised each of the colonists that he 
should have at least five hundred acres of land in 
the new country. The fleet in due time reached 
the lovely and fertile shores of Virginia. But un- 
happily Grenville, the commander, was a man of 
fierce and cruel character, and eager to become 
suddenly rich. No sooner had he landed than he 
began to treat the kindly-disposed savages with 
harshness and rapacity. He tried to seize their 
treasures, and when they resisted, he burned their 



54 



RALEGH : 



villages, and put them to death. A quarrel, more- 
over, soon broke out between Grenville and Ralph 
Lane. At last Grenville, disgusted at the small 
gains he had made, set sail for England, leaving 
Lane and the colony behind. 

Lane and his comrades now set to work to estab- 
lish the settlement, and made choice, for this pur- 
pose, of the island of Roanoke, where a fort soon 
rose on the bank. But, resting content with this, 
the new colonists neglected to build houses, or to 
plant crops. They seemed to think that they 
could live on the wild fruits of the earth ; and 
their heads were full of the dazzling stories of the 
Spanish discoveries of gold and silver. They 
imagined Virginia to be the true El Dorado, and 
instead of settling down to the laborious task of 
farming, as they should have done, they spent 
their time scouring about on the main land in 
search of mines. 

Meanwhile, their treatment of the once gentle 
natives was so harsh that the Indians soon be- 
came very hostile. The colonists at first received 
their supplies of provisions from the neighboring 
tribes ; but now the Indians refused to give them 
food. In the many conflicts which the English had 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. $5 

with the natives, they always came off victorious ; 
but the need of provisions soon reduced the colony 
to a desperate condition. They found themselves 
obliged to subsist on shell-fish, and disease soon 
broke out among the little company. 

A happy accident at last saved them from the 
agonies of actual starvation. One fine morning 
the eyes of the colonists were gladdened by the 
sight of a large fleet of sail in the offing, and ere 
long the fleet had anchored off Roanoke Island. 
It proved to be an expedition headed by the gal- 
lant old sailor, Sir Francis Drake, who was return- 
ing to England with the large booty which he had 
taken from the Spaniards in the southern seas. 

The colonists begged Drake to take them back 
to England with him ; and accordingly all hands 
set sail, and left Roanoke once more to the native 
tribes, glad enough at the prospect of getting home 
again. But Drake had not been gone long be- 
fore Grenville, who had been sent back by Ralegh 
with three vessels to carry aid to his colony, arrived 
at the island. To his utter amazement, he found it 
quite deserted, and the fort standing there amid 
the trees. Grenville resolved to leave some of his 
men there, and return to England ; and accord- 



56 RALEGH : 

ingly fifteen men, supplied with provisions for two 
years, remained behind. In the following spring, 
Ralegh sent out one hundred and fifty colonists, 
under the command of Captain John White. 
When these reached Roanoke, they found that the 
fifteen men who had been left by Grenville had 
miserably perished, for the most part by the at- 
tacks of the now hostile Indians while the fort 
had been utterly destroyed. 

White landed his colonists on the island, and as 
>est he could, sought to repair the ravages of the 
iriatives. The huts left by the last colony were, hap- 
pily, still standing, and White's company at first 
seemed to thrive in their new and remote home. 
A number of them had their wives and children 
with them. Not very long after the landing, Cap- 
tain White's daughter, the wife of a young colo- 
nist, gave birth to the first white child ever born 
in the Virginia colony. The child was christened 
" Virginia Dare." 

When the ships had got ready to sail for Eng- 
land again, White made up his mind that he would 
return in them, give Ralegh an account of what 
he had found, and procure more stores and colo- 
nists for the new settlement. But on reaching 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 57 

England, he found that Ralegh was too much 
occupied with other affairs to lend him the aid for 
which he had come. So, after a brief stay in 
England, the persevering captain returned alone 
to Virginia, in a ship which was bound for the 

West Indies. 

As, on a hot day in August, White's vessel ap- 
proached the shores of Roanoke, he was amazed 
and alarmed to see a great fire raging on the shore. 
Arrived within a short distance, he caused a trum- 
pet to be sounded, and with his crew set up a loud 
cry. But no one appeared to answer his call, and 
his fears were now raised to their highest pitch, 
when, instead of any Enghsh people, he saw a 
number of savages running through the bushes on 
the island. He hastened to land, and ran fran- 
tically to the huts where he had left his com- 
panions. The huts were quite deserted. They 
were, indeed, in a state of ruin. Many of the 
articles which the colonists had had - books, 
clothing, and pictures — were strewn about in con, 
fusion on the ground. 

White searched everywhere in vain for any 
traces of the colony. He was destined never to 

see his fair daughter or her little child again. At 



58 RALEGH : 

last, giving up his search, he once more set sail, 
and after the cruise in the West Indies had been 
completed, returned home to tell his harrowing 
tale. Nothing was ever afterwards heard of the 
colony of Roanoke. 

Ralegh was deeply discouraged when he heard 
that the result of all his expenditure and exertions 
had been death and desolation. But he was a man 
of resolute and fearless character, and he resolved 
to leave nothing undone to rescue the poor people 
who had been left to the mercy of the savages, if 
they still perchance survived. At various times 
he sent out five separate expeditions, to discover, 
if possible, their whereabouts, and render them 
aid. Although engrossed with many other mat- 
ters, and having spent the greater part of his for- 
tune, he could not give up his favorite scheme of 
founding a settlement on American soil. But his 
sailors, though they penetrated the wilds of Vir- 
ginia again and again, could find no vestige what- 
ever of the fate of the devoted little band ; and 
Ralegh was compelled at last to conclude that the 
colony had been massacred, one and all, by the 
Indians of the vicinity. 

One result, very important to the world for good 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. $9 

or ill, followed the return of the men who had gone 
out with Grenville and Lane, and who had returned 
to England in Drake's fleet. One of these, as has 
been said, was a man of considerable learning, 
named Thomas Harlot. Hariot had taken keen 
pleasure in exploring the new country, and was 
careful to write down all that he saw there. He 
examined all the native products, and minutely 
described their appearance and properties in his 
notes. One of these plants, especially, attracted 
his curiosity, and caused him not only to study its 
qualities, but to carry it with him to England. 
He thus described it : 

" There is an herb which is sowed apart by itself, 
and is called by the inhabitants, Yppowoc. The 
Spaniards generally call it tobacco. The leaves 
thereof, being dried and brought into powder, 
they used to take the fume or smoke thereof, by 
sucking it through pipes of clay into their stom- 
achs and heads. We ourselves, during the time 
we were there, used to suck it after their manner, 
as also since our return, and have found many rare 
and wonderful experiments of the virtues thereof, 
of which the relation would require a volume of 
itself. The use of it by so many of late, men and 



6o RALEGH : 

women of great calling, as else, and some learned 
physicians also, is sufficient witness." 

When Hariot saw Ralegh on his return, he did 
not fail to tell him about this wonderful herb; 
and Ralegh, whose curiosity was greatly aroused, 
caused a jeweller to make him a silver pipe, after 
the fashion of the rude Indian clay pipes, some of 
which Hariot had taken care to bring with him. 
Ralegh then began to smoke the tobacco, and 
soon grew to like it very much, so that, when at 
home, he was scarcely ever without his pipe. 

On one of the first occasions when he thus 
indulged himself, he was sitting cosily by his fire- 
side, pipe in mouth. The smoke was curling in 
dense, graceful clouds from his mouth. Just as he 
was puffing out a particularly thick cloud, one of 
his servants happened to enter the room with a 
tankard of ale for his master. Seeing the smoke all 
about Ralegh's head, he thought him on fire ; and 
without further ado threw the ale full in Ralegh's 
face, and then ran down stairs with all his might, 
crying out that his master was burning up. 

Very soon the example of so elegant and fash- 
ionable a cavalier as Ralegh was followed by many 
other courtiers, and pipe-smoking came much 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 6l 

into vogue among the higher orders of the Eng- 
lish. Queen Elizabeth, on hearing of the new 
luxury which Ralegh had found, expressed her 
curiosity to see him enjoy it, and sat by his side, 
with eyes wide open, as he puffed the curling 
smoke from his pipe. It is said that she herself 
was one day so eager to try the taste and effect of 
tobacco, that she took Ralegh's pipe in her own 
royal mouth, but became so dizzy and ill from the 
effects that she never ventured upon the experi- 
ment again. 

On one occasion, when she was watching Ralegh 
smoking, she said to him, — 

*' You are a very witty man ; but I will wager 
that you cannot tell me the weight of that smoke 
that comes from your pipe." 

" I can, indeed, your majesty," was Ralegh's con- 
fident reply. He at once took as much tobacco as 
would fill his pipe, and exactly weighed it. Having 
then smoked it up in his pipe, he in like manner 
weighed the ashes. " Now, your majesty," said he, 
smiling, " the difference between these two weights 
is the weight of the smoke." 

The queen acknowledged that she was beaten, 
and laughingly paid the wager. 



62 RALEGH : 

Ralegh's dreams of founding colonies in Amer- 
ica were sadly dispelled by the fate of those who 
had gone and perished there; and other events 
crowding upon him, and with his purse depleted, 
he was forced, for a while, to forego further efforts 
with that object in view. He never lost sight, how- 
ever, of his brilliant projects, and firmly resolved 
that, some day in the future, he would resume 
them. Many years after, when heavy misfortune 
had overtaken him, he wrote of the Virginia col- 
ony, in a desperate mood, " I shall yet live to see 
it an English nation." And he did. 

During all this time he had been engaged in 
struggling with his rivals and enemies at Eliza- 
beth's court. He had overcome the queen's anger 
against him, and once more basked in the royal 
sunshine. He still displayed such splendor of 
living as his means would allow, and his renown 
had been greatly increased by his spirit in attempt- 
ing to establish colonies in the new world. His 
vigor and ambition had become recognized, and 
he was now in the very front rank of England's 
famous men. His existence could never be an idle 
one ; nor did the festivities and gay indolence of 
court life satisfy the restless aspirations of his 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 67, 

soul. Despite the abandonment, for the while, 
of his designs in America, he found plenty of 
active employment on his hands, and pursued 
his career with all his sturdy and unflinching 
perseverance. 



64 RALEGH 



CHAPTER V. 

THE INVINCIBLE ARMADA. 



HE first enterprise to which Ralegh now 
turned his attention, was the care of those 
large estates in Ireland which had been 
granted to him for his military services there. 
These extensive and fertile lands had been taken 
away from their Irish owners, who had rebelled 
against the crown ; and were now pretty much 
deserted. Ralegh made up his mind to have his 
acres cultivated, and so he entered vigorously into 
a scheme for settling English peasants upon them. 
He himself went to Ireland, and spent several 
years in improving his estates ; engaging, at the 
same time, in many occupations and ventures, 
among others, the building of casks and barrels 
from the fine Irish timber. But he found so many 
difficulties in the way of his projects, and was so 
hindered by the machinations of his enemies at 
court, that he made up his mind to sell his Irish 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 6^ 

estates, and to return to England. After he had 
completed the sale, he wrote : " There remains to 
me but an old castle and domain, which are yet in 
the occupation of the old Countess of Desmond, 
for her jointure." 

This Countess of Desmond might, indeed, be 
called "old." She had been a belle in the court 
of King Edward the Fourth, and lived in the 
reigns of no less than nine English sovereigns ; 
and finally died, it is said, by falling out of an 
apple-tree, at the wonderful age of one hundred 
and forty. 

Events soon prepared a fresh and more stirring 
occupation for Ralegh. One of his most ardent 
feelings, all his life long, was his bitter hatred of 
the Spaniards, who, at that time, were the rivals 
and foes of England alike on land and sea. As a 
statesman, Ralegh always advised resistance to 
Spain ; and, as a soldier, no cavalier of the age 
more eagerly welcomed the prospect of a struggle 
with that arrogant power. 

The moment was at hand when his desire in this 
respect was to be fully gratified. The beautiful 
but hapless Mary Queen of Scots had just been 
beheaded in London, by the stern command of her 



66 RALEGH : 

royal cousin, Elizabeth. The cause of Mary had 
always been warmly championed by Philip the 
Second, King of Spain. Her violent death aroused 
his anger, and gave him the pretext to assail Eng- 
land which he had long sought. He was deter- 
mined, if possible, to depose Elizabeth from her 
throne, and to force the Catholic faith upon her 
subjects. 

Spain was a very different power in these days 
from what we see her now. She was a terror to 
all Europe, and had carried her conquests to the 
German ocean. She had proved herself more than 
a match for France, even in those chivalrous days 
when France was ruled by the brilliant and gallant 
Francis the First. Philip himself had been the 
husband of Queen Mary, Elizabeth's sister and 
predecessor, and imagined that he had some right 
to interfere in English affairs. He was greatly 
incensed when Elizabeth restored the Protestant 
faith ; and he had long designed an attack upon 
her, in the name of the ancient rehgion of which he 
was so redoubtable a champion. 

So Philip now made vigorous preparations to 
carry out this project. No sooner did the English 
hear of his purpose, than Sir Francis Drake in- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 67 

dignantly declared that he would "singe Philip's 
beard ; " and with a fleet of twenty-five war ships 
boldly entered the Spanish port of Cadiz, where 
he sank thirty-four ships, and captured and took 
away with him four more, before the Spanish king 
so much as heard of his attack. 

At last Philip, in spite of this loss, managed to 
collect and equip a splendid fleet of no less than 
one hundred and thirty-two war ships ; and on 
these he put a force of more than fifty thousand 
soldiers and sailors. The news of this formidable 
armament filled the English court and the Eng- 
lish people with dismay ; for its destination was 
well known to be the English coast. Elizabeth 
knew but too well how inferior her own navy was 
to cope with the invading fleet. She had, all told, 
but thirty-four war ships, and these were manned 
by less than seven thousand men. But one thing 
greatly encouraged her. Her Catholic subjects 
were as loyal as the Protestants, and quite as 
eager to repel the assault of the Catholic mon- 
arch. All England was one in this stern re- 
solve. 

There was no time to be lost ; for the Spaniards 
were on the point of setting forth. A desperate 



68 RALEGH : 

effort must be made to meet and defeat them. The 
merchant vessels from all the EngUsh ports has- 
tened to the rendezvous selected for them, and 
prepared to take part in the fight ; while many 
of the wealthy nobles and courtiers hurriedly set 
about fitting up vessels at their own expense. Two 
famous admirals, Lord Howard of Effingham and 
Sir Francis Drake, were put at the head of the 
fleet which was thus rapidly formed ; and Drake 
soon reported that he had succeeded in collecting 
sixty sail at Plymouth. 

The approaching struggle fired Ralegh with mil- 
itary ardor. He was anxious to bear his part in 
inflicting defeat upon the hateful Spaniards. No 
sooner did the peril become known than he has- 
tened down to his native shire, to recruit men and 
strengthen the defences of that part of the coast. 
He worked with all his wonted vigor, and sent 
troop after troop of sturdy Cornish and Devon 
men to the headquarters of the army at Tilbury, 
where the heroic queen was infusing her own 
dauntless spirit into the devoted soldiery. One 
day, Elizabeth appeared before her troops, and thus 
harangued them : 

"I have but the body of a weak and feeble 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 69 

woman," said she ; " but I have the heart of a 
king, and of a king of England, too. I think it 
foul scorn that Spain should dare to invade the 
borders of my realm ; to which, rather than any 
dishonor should grow by me, I myself will take up 
arms; I myself will be your general, judge, and 
rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field." 

An army led by such a monarch was not likely 
to flinch before the enemy. 

The Spanish fleet had already appeared in sight 
of the white English cliffs, when Ralegh, having 
fulfilled his errand in Devon, joined one of the 
English ships; and from that time he was one 
of the bravest among the heroes who so despe- 
rately fought, and, finally, so splendidly overcame, 
the presumptuous invader. The stately fleet of the 
Spaniards sailed slowly and in close array, up the 
English Channel. Lord Howard, with seventy 
vessels, was lying in wait for it at Plymouth ; but, 
instead of issuing forth and attacking the Span- 
iards when they came opposite to him, he let them 
pass, and then fell upon them in the rear. He 
was too wise to join battle with them, and con- 
tented himself with following them up, shooting 
away their masts, and worrying them with his 



•JO RALEGH : 

lighter and swifter craft. The Spanish ships drew 
still closer together, and advanced up the Channel. 
Then the bold Drake suddenly issued out of port, 
seized a big ship which had become so much dam- 
aged that she had fallen behind, and carried her 
in triumph into the harbor. As Lord Howard's 
fleet followed the Spaniards, it every moment grew 
larger and larger ; for out of every little harbor and 
inlet, as it went along, ships, barques, and every 
size and sort of vessel issued, and glided into line 
behind or at the sides of the English men-of-war. 

At last Lord Howard resolved to make a more 
vigorous attack upon the enemy. He divided his 
fleet into four squadrons, of one of which he him- 
self took command ; the other three were entrusted 
to Drake, Frobisher, and Hawkins. First, Fro- 
bisher and Hawkins set forth and attacked the 
Spanish ships off the Isle of Wight, and so gal- 
lantly handled the Spaniards, that they won the 
first laurels of the struggle. They followed close 
upon the enemy as his vessels passed hurriedly 
through the Strait of Calais, and more than one 
proud galleon sank beneath the shower of their 
shots. But now the Spaniards were about to re- 
ceive a reinforcement from Dunkirk, where a fleet 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 7 1 

under the Prince of Parma was lying in wait to 
join them. 

Lord Howard saw that no time was to be lost. 
He decided to deal a deadly blow at the enemy by 
a cunning and effectual stratagem. He chose a 
number of his least seaworthy ships, and ordered 
his men to pack them to the decks with gun- 
powder and pitch. Then he waited for night to 
come. When the night was at its darkest, these 
ships were floated out in the direction of the Span- 
ish fleet and set on fire. The English watched 
the result with anxious hearts. The fate of Ens:- 
land hung upon the floating messengers of destruc- 
tion. They had not long to wait. The burning 
ships were quickly carried by the wind and tide 
into the very heart of the Spanish armament. 
Then followed a scene which beggars description. 
The night was filled and Ht up by a lurid glare. 
The explosions of gunpowder were deafening, and 
seemed to echo each other in their terrible din. 
Some of the Spanish ships caught fire, and the 
flames were seen leaping up their stately masts, 
and shrivelling in an instant the white, wide-spread 
sails. And now ensued a great commotion amongst 
the fleet. With all haste, the as yet undamaged 



J2 RALEGH : 

galleons hoisted sail, and put out to sea, leaving 
those which were afire to their fate. A heavy gale 
now came up to aid the plans of the English, and 
contribute to the discomfiture of the foe. Many 
«f the Spanish ships were driven upon the French 
coast north of Calais. 

Howard and Drake did not lose a moment in 
following up the advantage thus gained. They 
sailed promptly down upon the distressed Span- 
ish squadrons, and gave them broadside after 
broadside. For six terrible hours the rain of 
the EngHsh shot and shell poured unceasingly 
on the decks and sides of the wavering ves- 
sels. They finally sailed in all haste northward, 
the English ships following ; but by the time 
the Spaniards came opposite the Norwegian coast, 
the English ammunition gave out, and they were 
forced to give up the pursuit, and seek their har- 
bors again. The ships put into port, and took in 
fresh supplies of provisions, powder, and shot, so 
as to be prepared for the enemy in case he had the 
hardihood to repeat his attack. But the precaution 
proved needless. The ill-fated Spanish galleons 
were overtaken on the Norwegian coast by a ter- 
rific tempest. Some of them were stranded there ; 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 73 

some met their fate on the rock-bound shores of 
Scotland ; and only fifty-three of the gallant array 
which had set sail from Spain ever returned thither 
again. Thus was the " Invincible Armada " of 
Spain repelled by the valor and genius of Howard 
and Drake, seconded by such brave men as Haw- 
kins, Frobisher, and, we may well add, Ralegh. 

The rejoicings at the court of Elizabeth over 
this magnificent victory may be well imagined. 
The principal heroes of the fight were received 
by the queen with delighted and lavish welcome, 
and received many noble rewards for their con- 
duct. The court held high festival for several 
weeks. The days were spent in fine cavalcades, 
tournaments, and shows ; and the nights were lit 
up by gorgeous illuminations and fireworks, and 
were quickly sped in masquerades and balls. 
Among the rest, Ralegh took a lively part in 
the.'ce rejoicings. He appeared at court in all 
the splendor of the most costly apparel, and was 
one of the most conspicuous of the warriors who 
surrounded the throne of the maiden monarch. 
He seemed once more to be restored to favor, and 
began again to cherish hopes of securing the 
queen's affection. 



74 



RALEGH 



But he soon found that the brilliant and hand- 
some Earl of Essex had completely won her heart. 
Essex was so bent upon supplanting. Ralegh, that 
he sought a quarrel with him ; and is even said to 
have challenged him to a duel. Ralegh was too 
proud to remain at court and see another preferred 
to him in the queen's favor; and so he again 
departed from it, and once more sought rest and 
consolation in the remoteness of Ireland. 

There was living at that time at Kilcolman, a 
lonely castle perched on a lofty summit, and over- 
looking a lovely lake, an old friend and companion 
of Ralegh's. This was no other than the famous 
poet, Edmund Spenser. Spenser had known Ra- 
legh well in Ireland ten years before ; and not 
only their common misfortunes, but their mutual 
love of literature, had drawn them together in inti- 
mate friendship. They had fought side by side in 
the old Irish rebellion, and as they marched, had 
forgotten their hardships and their grim task in 
their absorbing talks about poetry and history. 

Ralegh now bethought him of the gentle Spenser, 
and, knowing that he would be right welcome, lost 
no time in repairing to Kilcolman, and once more 
enjoying the companionship of his poetic friend. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 75 

The days spent in the beautiful seclusion of this 
retreat were among the happiest that Ralegh ever 
knew. There, amid the tranquillity of the scene, 
far from the heart-burnings and mortifications of 
the royal court, in company with a sweet-natured, 
affectionate friend, the hours sped only too pleas- 
antly and swiftly. The two comrades wandered 
together in the forest, or lolled on the green banks 
of the glassy lake, and, in their communion, forgot 
all the carking cares and troubles of the world. 
Spenser read to Ralegh the poems he had been 
writing ; and Ralegh brought out poems which he, 
too, had written, and conned them over to Spenser 
as they reclined. Spenser has left a record in 
verse of those happy days, in which he says : 

" He piped ; I sung ; and when he sung, I piped; 
By change of turns, each making other merry ; 
Neither envying other, or envied ; 
So piped we, until we both were weary." 

Not long before Ralegh's coming, Spenser had 
begun the great poem which was to make his fame 
immortal ; and one day, as they sat beneath the 
shadow of the old castle's ivied wall, he timidly 
brought out the stanzas he had thus far written, 
and read them with trembling voice. Then he 



*j6 RALEGH : 

told Ralegh the plan of the poem which his glow- 
ing fancy had constructed. Ralegh warmly de- 
clared that the verses were much the finest that 
Spenser had ever written, and implored him to 
follow out the plan he had described. But for his 
eager encouragement, the " Faerie Queen " might 
never have seen the light ; but his ardent words 
fired Spenser's ambition, and from that time he 
labored strenuously upon his great work until it 
was completed and given to the world. 

When a part of the " Faerie Queen " was fin- 
ished, Ralegh returned to the court, and made it 
known to Elizabeth, who was so delighted with its 
beauty, and also with the eloquent compliments 
which it showered upon herself, that she took both 
Spenser and Ralegh for a while into her favor 
again. But alas for the ingratitude of monarchs ! 
Spenser was soon neglected, and even found his 
Irish property taken from him ; and died, at last, 
in great poverty and misery. 

The kindness with which the queen treated Ra- 
legh after his return from Ireland, was destined to 
vanish almost as quickly as it came. It happened 
that there resided at this time at the court, a beau- 
tiful, golden-haired young maid of honor, named 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 7/ 

Elizabeth Throgmorton. No sooner had Ralegh 
seen her, than he fell violently in love with her. 
But he was well aware of the extremely jealous 
nature of the queen. In spite of her preference 
for Essex, Queen Elizabeth was quite unwilling 
that Ralegh, her less favored lover, should transfer 
his affections to another. She watched him nar- 
rowly, and would bluntly upbraid him if he showed 
especial attention to any of the young ladies of 
her court. So Ralegh, in paying his court to 
Elizabeth Throgmorton, was compelled to do so 
with great caution and secrecy. The young lady 
fully reciprocated his love, but was as much afraid 
of the queen as he himself 

It chanced one day, however, that the queen 
discovered what was going on between her maid 
of honor and the cavalier. Her rage knew no 
bounds. She berated Ralegh before her ladies, 
and forbade him to come to court ; and fiercely 
ordered the maid to remain a prisoner in her room, 
and on no account to see Ralegh again. 

This misadventure caused Ralegh once more to 
turn his thoughts from the court, and to seek a 
new opportunity for his active spirit. Happily 
there was always a chance for adventure and for- 



^8 RALEGH : 

tune, in the expeditions which were constantly 
setting out to attack and capture Spanish gal- 
leons ; and Ralegh, in order not only to give 
himself a stirring occupation, but to divert the 
anger of the queen, plunged with all his ardor 
into these schemes of conflict and plunder. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 79 




CHAPTER VI. 

RALEGH A PRISONER. 

N the later years of the sixteenth century, 
the favorite occupation of many EngHsh 
adventurers of wealth and noble birth was 
to fit out squadrons and send them forth to assail 
and capture Spanish ships on the high seas. The 
hostility between the two nations still burned with 
its old ferocity, and was constantly kept alive by 
their rivalry and greed. The Spanish galleons, 
laden often with precious cargoes gleaned both in 
Asia and in America, were rich prizes, which 
proved very tempting to EngHsh privateers; and 
many were the fierce sea-battles which ensued 
between them. 

Even Queen Elizabeth herself did not disdain to 
aid her courtiers in fitting out such expeditions, 
and was as eager as they that the Spanish galleons 
should be captured and brought into English ports. 
When such a prize was secured, the queen herself 



80 RALEGH : 

was entitled to a share of the booty. This was 
nothing more nor less than piracy ; but the cus- 
tom of those times made it honorable even for 
men of high rank and reputation to engage in 
these ventures. 

Walter Ralegh now engaged very actively in 
fitting out squadrons to attack the Spanish ships. 
He had always cherished, from earliest youth, a 
very bitter hatred of Spain and the Spaniards. 
He looked upon them as the special enemies of 
England, and he thought it nothing more than 
right to do them all the injury he possibly could. 
When, therefore, he had excited the queen's wrath 
by his courtship of the fair young Elizabeth 
Throgmorton, his first thought was to occupy 
himself with a cruise in search of Spanish prizes. 
The queen was glad enough to separate him 
from his lady-love, and not only consented to 
his project, but promised to aid him in it. With 
his wonted energy and enthusiasm he set to work 
getting together his ships, and preparing for his 
adventure. Ere long thirteen vessels were an- 
chored in the Thames, fully equipped, and supplied 
with a goodly armament. To these the queen 
added two more vessels. On this occasion, Ralegh 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 01 

resolved that he himself would take command of 
his expedition. 

Before he set out, however, he made up his 
mind that he would secretly marry his beloved 
Elizabeth Throgmorton. He found an opportunity 
to communicate with her, which was not difficult, 
as the queen, believing she had cured Ralegh of 
his love, had released her from confinement. The 
pair readily found a clergyman who performed the 
marriage ceremony. Then, after being locked in 
each other's arms in a long, clinging embrace, the 
bride and bridegroom, with many vows of unalter- 
able affection, parted. 

Ralegh hastened to his ships, while his young 
wife returned to her place at the royal court. He 
gave the command to set sail the next morning ; 
and accordingly at sunrise, on the 6th of May, 
1592, the squadron floated under a fair wind down 
the Thames, and so out to sea. Ralegh's purpose 
was to make directly for the Spanish coast, and to 
attack the Spanish ships anchored in the harbor 
of Seville. After plundering them, he intended to 
cross the ocean, and assail the Spanish colony of 
Panama, in Central America. As his squadron 
sped lightly over the waves, Ralegh gave himself 



82 RALEGH : 

up to bright visions of the riches he was about to 
gain, and the greater fame which would follow his 
success. The prospect of winning once more 
the favor of the queen, and of recovering his in- 
fluence at court, gladdened his heart, and steeled 
him to a desperate effort to achieve what he had 
undertaken. 

He had not been long at sea, however, when he 
espied, rapidly approaching his squadron from the 
direction of England, a swift pinnace which was 
evidently trying to catch up with him. He at 
once suspected that something was wrong, and his 
heart was filled with misgiving. He resolved, if 
possible, to outstrip the pinnace, and putting on 
all sail, tried to escape her. But the pinnace 
gained on the squadron with every league, and at 
last came near enough to give Ralegh a signal. 
Ere long, the pursuing craft came alongside the 
flag-ship, and in another moment her commander 
climbed on board. 

This proved to be no other than the famous 
navigator, Sir Martin Frobisher. Taking Ralegh 
apart, he told him that Queen Elizabeth had 
changed her mind, and had determined that 
Ralegh should not go in command of the expe- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 83 

dition. The queen was most tenderly anxious, 
said Frobisher, for Ralegh's safety, and could not 
bear to have him absent from court. Ralegh was 
almost beside himself with vexation at this turn of 
affairs. He was forced to banish all the bright 
dreams in which he had been so freely indulging, 
and to return to the court, where he would once 
more become subject to the caprices of the queen. 
But he could not disobey the royal command ; and 
so, having with a heavy heart given up the com- 
mand of his squadron to Sir Martin Frobisher, he 
reluctantly returned to London in the pinnace. 

He repaired to his lodgings, and exchanging his 
weather-proof sea-clothing for a gorgeous suit of 
apparel, lost no time in going to court. On arriv- 
ing at the palace, he asked for an audience of the 
queen, and after some delay was admitted to the 
royal presence. 

Queen Elizabeth, who was now about sixty years 
of age, was more than ever proud and stately in 
her bearing. No sooner had Ralegh entered her 
apartment, than, instead of greeting him with her 
usual smile of welcome, she frowned darkly, and 
in a haughty tone ordered him not to approach 
her. Then she broke out into a torrent of bitter 



84 RALEGH : 

reproaches, and called him ungrateful and perfid 
ious, and sharply accused him of having, by his 
secret marriage with Elizabeth Throgmorton, dis- 
obeyed her most solemn commands. Ralegh was 
speechless with amazement. How had the queen 
learned his secret ? What reply could he make to 
her angry accusations? He had scarcely time, 
however, to consider his situation ; for the queen, 
summoning her guards, ordered them to seize 
Ralegh, and carry him a prisoner to the Tower 
of London. 

Before he could speak a word of protest against 
this treatment, he found himself hurried out of the 
palace. A boat lay in readiness in the river. Into 
this the unhappy cavalier was roughly placed, and 
rowed rapidly to the grim prison of which he was 
now to be an inmate. 

Ralegh soon found himself at the entrance of 
the Tower which opens upon the Thames. He 
was led up the gloomy stairway ; and before he 
could wholly realize that he was really a prisoner, 
he found himself the occupant of a dark, narrow 
cell, into which scarcely a glimmer of daylight 
shone, and the floor of which consisted of large, 
damp stones. A table, a rude chair, and a low 



HIS EXPT.OITS AND VOYAGES. 85 

cot against the damp wall, were the only articles 
of furniture permitted to the prisoner. 

What a change in fortune and surroundings was 
this ! He who had lived amid all the splendors 
and ease of a royal court, whose person was even 
now apparelled in the costliest attire, whose lodgings 
had been replete with extravagant luxury, whose 
familiar companions had been princes, nobles, and 
warriors, now found himself the inhabitant of a 
miserable cell, and forced to exist on the coarsest 
and scantiest fare ! Instead of gallantly ploughing 
the seas, the commander of a brave array of war- 
ships, dealing doughty blows at England's enemies, 
and bringing home in triumph galleons laden with 
the riches of the earth, he must live day by day in 
this dreary solitude, and comfort himself as best 
he could with his thoughts and his books. 

Happily, his jailers did not long keep him in 
these miserable quarters, but gave him a larger 
apartment in the Tower, from the high-barred win- 
dows of which he was able to gaze out upon the 
busy craft which dotted the Thames and busily 
sped to and fro. The governor of the Tower, 
Sir George Carew, often came to visit him in his 
solitude, and gave him the news of the day ; and 



86 RALEGH : 

now Ralegh's table was served as that of a cavalier 
of rank should be. After a while, he was allowed 
to write letters to his friends, and even, now and 
then, to receive them in his prison ; and thus many 
an hour was pleasantly beguiled. But for one 
thing he deeply grieved, and that was the absence 
of his beloved young wife. He had not seen her 
since his sudden return, and he longed to clasp her 
once more in his arms. But this the stern and 
jealous queen angrily denied him. 

It is strange that, despite this cruel treatment 
on the part of the queen, Ralegh, after the habit 
of the courtiers of that day, constantly avowed his 
affection for her, and pretended that his chief sor- 
row in being shut up in the Tower was that he 
could no longer see her, and bask in the sunshine 
of her smiles. The idea of a refined and hand- 
some knight, such as he, professing that his great- 
est happiness lay in the love of a capricious and 
tyrannical old woman of sixty I 

He spent much of his time while a prisoner in 
the Tower, writing letters to his various friends, in 
which he imparted to them his misery at being 
parted from his royal mistress. To one of them 
he said : " I am become like a fish on dry land, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 8/ 

gasping for breath ; with lame legs and lamer 
lungs." On hearing that the queen was about to 
take a trip into the interior of England, he ex- 
claimed, in a letter to his friend, Sir Robert Cecil, 
* My heart was never broken till this day, that I 
hear the queen goes so far off, whom I have fol- 
lowed so many years with so great love and desire 
in so many journeys, and am now left behind her, 
in a dark prison all alone. While she was yet 
nigh at hand, that I might hear of her once in two 
or three days, my sorrows were the less ; but even 
now my heart is cast into the depth of all misery. 
I, that was wont to behold her riding like Alex- 
ander, hunting like Diana, walking like Venus, the 
gentle wind blowing her fair hair about her pure 
cheeks like a nymph, sometimes sitting in the 
shade like a goddess, sometimes singing like an 
angel, sometimes playing like an Orpheus." 

This absurd lament about a vain old woman he 
ended by saying, in despair, " Do with me as you 
will ; I am more weary of life than they are desir- 
ous I should perish." 

All these high-flown flatteries and protestations 
of love for the queen seem to us unworthy of a 
brave and gallant cavalier and refined scholar, like 



S8 RALEGH • 

Walter Ralegh. We feel that none of them are 
sincere ; that they are a pretence, and are written 
from a motive of ambition. Ralegh, in these 
rhapsodies, adopted the extravagant style of his 
time ; it was only by such gross adulation, he 
thought, that he could soften the queen's heart, 
and restore himself to his old position of honor 
and influence. 

One bright summer morning Ralegh was gazing 
out of his grated window, and listlessly watching 
the craft on the river sailing to and fro. His 
thoughts were given up to sorrowful reflections, 
and his face was clouded by a shadow of sadness. 
Suddenly, however, an unusual sight presented 
itself upon the waters of the Thames. A num- 
ber of splendid barges, gilded and painted in 
brilliant colors, adorned with rich awnings, and 
gay with banners, flags, and streamers, were mov- 
ing slowly, in regular order, down the stream. 
The barge in the centre was larger and hand- 
somer than the rest, and above it Ralegh espied, 
floating in the breeze, the emblazoned standard 
of England. Another glance sufficed to show 
him, reclining on ample cushions beneath a mag- 
nificently embroidered canopy, the queen herself. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 89 

She was attired in great splendor, glittering with 
gems, and surrounded by a bevy of the fair ladies 
of her court. 

Ralegh was, or pretended to be, overcome with 
emotion. Leaping from his seat by the window, 
he called loudly for Sir George Carew, the gov- 
ernor of the Tower. As soon as he saw Sir 
George, he broke out into a paroxysm of rage. 
He declared that his enemies had caused the 
queen to pass by his prison in her barge, purposely 
to torment and tantalize him ; and he begged Sir 
George to allow him to go out and follow the 
barge, promising that, as soon as he had got a 
sight of her near by, he would return to prison 
again. But the governor would not permit him 
to go ; whereupon Ralegh, full of ungovernable 
anger, fiercely upbraided him. From words the 
governor and his prisoner came to blows. Pres- 
ently each drew his dagger ; and the quarrel might 
have ,soon proved fatal to one or the other, had not 
Sir Arthur Gorges interposed and separated the 
combatants, 

Ralegh spent a great deal of his time while in 
the Tower reading and writing. He was already 
known as one of the best poets and essayists of 



90 RALEGH : 

his time ; and throughout all his busy and often 
adventurous career he had never lost his early love 
for books and learning. His ambition was as eager 
to become a scholar, and to leave literary works 
which should endure, as it was to obtain wealth 
and power at home, and to found colonies in dis- 
tant lands. So it was, that, while he was a pris- 
oner, many a weary hour was lightened by his 
books and his pen, and many were the wise 
things which he wrote at this time. 

He had been in the Tower several months, 
when one day the news was brought to him that 
some of the ships which he had fitted up and sent 
out as privateers had cast anchor in the harbor of 
Dartmouth, whither they had brought a large 
Spanish galleon, fairly loaded down with precious 
spoil. This news was soon confirmed. The 
Spanish ship, the name of which was ''La Madre 
de Diosl] proved to be loaded with a cargo of 
spices, drugs, silks, and other articles, the value 
of which was not less than seven hundred thou- 
sand dollars of our money. 

The arrival of this great prize soon filled the 
country with excitement, and Queen Elizabeth 
herself greeted the event with unconcealed joy. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 9I 

Although ^'La Madrc de Dios " had been captured 
exactly as pirates take and plunder ships on the 
high seas, she was no less delighted than her court- 
iers at the prospect of profiting by it. As Eliza- 
beth had contributed towards fitting out the fleet, 
she was entitled to a share of the plunder. Walter 
Ralegh, too, had a claim upon a large portion of 
the profits of the expedition, and it was very neces- 
sary that he should go to Dartmouth, to make a 
division of the spoil. 

The queen was not yet willing, however, to re- 
lease him from his captivity. She had not become 
reconciled to his secret marriage, and was resolved, 
if possible, to keep him and his young bride apart. 
Besides, her resentment against him was being 
constantly inflamed by his bitter rival, the Earl of 
Essex, who feared the result of Ralegh's return to 
court. Nor was Essex the only enemy Ralegh 
had about the queen ; for his haughty bearing had 
given grave offence to more than one proud noble 
and dame of high degree. 

At last Elizabeth resolved to permit Ralegh to 
go to Dartmouth, but ordered that a keeper should 
go with him and attend him everywhere, night 
and day, to see that he did not escape. The sail- 



92 



RALEGH 



ors of the fleet were becoming very insubordinate, 
and the queen knew that Ralegh alone had their 
affection, and could quell their discontent. 

So one day Ralegh found himself breathing the 
free air, outside his gloomy prison, though he him- 
self was not yet free. His keeper remained close 
by his side, and in his unwelcome company Ralegh 
journeyed down to Dartmouth. 

In spite of his being a prisoner, Ralegh was 
greeted at Dartmouth, which was not far from his 
native place, with shouts of joyful welcome ; for 
however much he might be disliked and feared at 
the royal court, in his own neighborhood he was 
greatly beloved. The sailors of the fleet, too, who 
had been so unruly, gathered about him, and lav- 
ished upon him every token of their affection. 
Ralegh bore himself with much dignity, but every 
one observed the sad expression of his counte- 
nance. When one of his old friends wished him 
joy at being free again, he shook his head and sor- 
rowfully replied, — 

**No, I am still the queen of England's poor 
captive." 

It took a long time to complete the division of 
the rich spoil which had been taken with the 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 93 

Spanish galleon ; but at last Ralegh found his task 
finished, and with his keeper, he returned to Lon- 
don. But he was not again consigned to the dreary 
solitude of the Tower. He lived for a while under 
the eye of his keeper, and at last the queen's 
heart softened towards him, and he was restored to 
full liberty again. 

And now, for the first time since his marriage, 
he was to enjoy for a little while the sweet repose 
and comforts of a happy wedded life. His young 
wife was all that his warm heart could desire. 
She was young, beautiful, accomplished, and lov- 
ing. Ralegh was her hero, and she was completely 
wrapped up in him and his fortunes. Never did 
cavalier have a more faithful or more helpful part- 
ner. She shared with her whole heart his joy.s 
and sorrows, and she was perfectly happy, now 
that she could live with him in the luxurious 
country retreat whither they speedily repaired. 

Not long before, Ralegh had become the owner 
of one of the finest manor-houses in England. It 
was called Sherborne, and was not very far distant 
from his native place. It was a noble mansion, 
replete with every luxury of the 'ige, imposing to 
the eye, spacious and conveiient ; /'.ts walls hung 



94 RALEGH : 

with rare tapestries, and its ceilings made of the 
heaviest carved oak. Around the manor-house lay 
a beautiful park, and in its near vicinity were blos- 
soming orchards, and cool, pretty groves, and 
thriving gardens. 

In so lovely a retreat Ralegh spent many happy 
months. He was ardently fond of country sports, 
and took the greatest delight in building taste- 
ful additions to his castle, laying out new gardens, 
and cutting stately avenues through his park. 
With him, too, he had his choice library of books, 
to which he could gratefully turn when wearied 
with his out-of-door occupations. Around him 
lived, in stately castles and more modest hunt- 
ing-houses, many gentlemen of tastes as refined 
and as sturdy as his own ; and with them he en- 
joyed frequent and pleasant companionship. In 
such an existence he seemed to forget for a while 
that there was such a thing as a royal court, or 
such a personage as the vain old queen. His am- 
bition seemed lulled to slumber by his tranquil 
surroundings. 

But after a while his adventurous spirit again 
became restless, and he began to think of once 
more seeking renown and riches by the perilous 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 95 

ventures' of the sea. This time, he said to himself, 
he would go on the projected voyage in person. 
He would embark on a new expedition towards 
the setting sun. As he sat amid the shades 
of Sherborne, he looked eagerly forward to the 
time when, at sea, he would have " to lie hard ; 
to fare worse ; to be subjected to perils, to dis- 
eases, to ill savors ; to be parched and withered ; 
and, withal, to sustain the care and labor " of a 
long and doubtful voyage. 



96 RALEGH : 




CHAPTER VII. 

RALEGH'S FIRST VOYAGE. 

ARVELLOUS stories of a certain region 
in America had long been circulating in 
England, and throughout Europe. The 
Spaniards, who had been so bold and successful 
in their voyages across the Atlantic, and in their 
conquests of the western nations, told dazzling 
tales of the riches of those countries, and of the 
wonderful sights they had seen there. The ac- 
counts of the Spanish voyages thither had been 
printed ; and one collection of these thrilling sto- 
ries had been made in England by Richard Hak- 
luyt, an intimate friend of Walter Ralegh, who had 
encouraged him to undertake this work. 

According to the Spanish adventurers, the em- 
pire of Guiana, on the northern coast of South 
America, was in truth the land of gold, in search 
of which so many expeditions had been made ; 
the very land which had aroused the ambition of 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 97 

Columbus, of Cortez, of Pizarro, of Fernando de 
Soto, and Ponce de Leon. It was said, indeed, 
that the vast treasures of the Mexican king, Mon- 
tezuma, had been carried to Guiana by his ser- 
vants, when he was subdued and captured by 
Cortez ; and that the boundless wealth of the Inca 
of Peru, Atahualpa, had in the same manner 
been transferred to Guiana, after his overthrow 
by Pizarro. Very many implicitly believed these 
stories, and were eager to go to Guiana, and search 
out and bring home these treasures. Other voy- 
agers declared that Guiana itself was fabulously 
rich in gold, silver, and precious gems. Stories 
were told of a great imperial city, which stood on 
imposing heights in the interior of the country, 
where the very troughs at the corners of the 
streets, at which the horses were watered, were 
made of solid blocks of gold and silver ; and where 
"billets of gold lay about in heaps, as if they were 
logs of wood marked out to burn." 

In this marvellous city there dwelt a king, who 
lived in the greatest wealth and magnificence. 
Some of his habits were at least peculiar. There 
were state occasions on which it was his custom to 
cover his royal body with turpentine, and then roll 



98 RALEGH : 

himself in gold-dust, until he appeared like a living 
figure of gold. He would then enter his state 
barge, and thus, in the centre of a group of nobles, 
arrayed in attire which glistened with gems, would 
make the tour of a beautiful lake ; in which, at the 
end of their promenade, the monarch and his court 
would take a refreshing bath. 

But somehow or other, it always seemed very 
difficult, if not impossible, to find this rich city and 
its king. One expedition after another went in 
search of it, and after a series of bitter and 
cruel hardships, returned without having found 
it. Sometimes these expeditions, after enduring 
hunger and want and cold in the vast South 
American forests, were massacred by the angry 
natives. Among other adventurers who tried to 
find the much-talked-of El Dorado was Gonzalo 
Pizarro, the brother of that great Pizarro who had 
conquered Peru. Gonzalo crossed the mountains 
of South America from Peru with over three hun- 
dred Spaniards, and a still larger force of natives. 
A part of his force, under Orellana, managed 
to reach the river Amazon after many vicissi- 
tudes. Hastily constructing a rude boat, they de- 
scended that mighty stream, and, deserting Pizarro, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 99 

made their way back to Europe. Meanwhile 
Gonzalo and a portion of the force remained in the 
mountains awaiting the result of Orellana's search. 
Finding that he did not return, Gonzalo returned 
to Peru ; but not until his company had been 
forced to eat their saddles, so near had they come 
to actual starvation. 

Other expeditions had met a fate not less unfor- 
tunate. All alike had failed to reach the golden 
city. For a long while the attempt to find El 
Dorado was abandoned. But some time before 
Ralegh took up his residence at Sherborne, a 
bold Spaniard named Berreo had resolved to un- 
dertake the task which still remained unfulfilled. 
Berreo made a successful voyage across the Atlan- 
tic, and safely reached New Granada, in South 
America. Thence he set forth, it is said, with 
seven hundred horsemen, and travelled, first along 
the banks of the river Negro, and then along those 
of the river Orinoco. At some points, the adven- 
turers descended the Orinoco in rough boats, built 
on the spot. As they advanced, many of the men 
and horses died from illness and exhaustion, while 
others fell in the frequent skirmishes which Berreo 
had with the natives of the country. 

L.cfC. 



lOO RALEGH ! 

He thus travelled amid many perils for more 
than a year. At last he reached a country, from 
the natives of which he heard about Guiana and its 
riches ; the city, they said, was not far off. These 
natives were at first hostile to Berreo, but they 
soon became friendly with him, and lavished 
many costly presents upon him. They gave him 
**ten images of fine gold, which were so curiously 
wrought, as he had not seen the like in Italy, 
Spain, or the Low Countries." After remaining 
with them for three months, Berreo pursued his 
journey in search of Guiana ; but his force had now 
so seriously dwindled, and those who still survived 
grew so clamorous to return home, that he at last 
gave up his project and went back, not without many 
hardships and difficulties, to the island of Trinidad, 
off the South American coast. He did not give up 
all hope, however, of finding Guiana ; and remained 
for many years at Trinidad with this purpose in 
his mind. 

All these stories of El Dorado, and of the at- 
tempts of the Spaniards to find the marvellous city 
of gold, excited and absorbed Ralegh in his retreat 
at Sherborne. He began to believe the most won- 
derful accounts of the land of Guiana ; and often, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. lOI 

as he sat with his wife by the roaring fire in his 
great hall, did he tell her of his eager desire to 
be the successful explorer of that distant region. 
His hatred of the Spaniards led him above all to 
crave the distinction of preventing their capture of 
the golden land, and of himself planting the stand- 
ard and the authority of Queen Elizabeth in its 
midst. 

So in the year 1594, some eleven or twelve years 
after Berreo had set forth on his venture, Ralegh 
made up his mind to enter once more upon his old 
career of colonization and discovery. He was now 
in the very prime of life, and the full ripeness of 
his vigor. At the age of forty-two, he had many 
years of activity and enterprise before him. He 
had long ago given up all idea of planting a settle- 
ment in Virginia ; the failure of his former attempts 
to do so had completely discouraged him. But 
here was a new and brilliant field of adventure ; 
and his ambitious nature was stirred by the pros- 
pect of finding the fabled land. He had never him- 
self sailed on any of the expeditions which he had 
fitted up and sent forth upon the ocean. Now, he 
resolved that he himself would go, and take com- 
mand of the voyage to America. It would be hard 



I02 RALEGH : 

to tear himself away from the companionship of 
his devoted wife and the luxurious ease of Sher- 
borne ; but he was too ambitious and too restless 
to remain there in languor and indolence. 

But before venturing himself upon the ocean, 
Ralegh resolved to send out a ship to explore the 
mouth of the Orinoco, up which he would have to 
pass. He accordingly dispatched his friend, Jacob 
Whiddon, in a small vessel, to make the explora- 
tion. Whidden arrived safely at Trinidad, where 
he landed, and where Berreo pretended to welcome 
him with warm cordiality. Berreo was at this time 
governor of Trinidad ; and he himself had, just at 
this time, nearly got ready a new expedition to 
search for El Dorado. While, therefore, he pro- 
fessed to be friendly to Whiddon, he really used 
every means to delay him, and prevent his sailing 
to the Orinoco. One after another, Whiddon's 
sailors were arrested and thrown into prison on 
various pretexts, until his crew became too small 
to enable him to continue his voyage. Finally, 
Whiddon was forced to return to England without 
having achieved the object for which he had sailed. 

No sooner had Ralegh heard his officer's report, 
than he decided to delay no longer the prepara- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. IO3 

tions for his own voyage to South America. When 
he told his wife of his purpose, she implored him 
with tears in her eyes not to undertake so perilous 
a journey. Finding that she could not persuade 
him to abandon it, she wrote to Sir Robert Cecil 
a touching letter, begging him to prevail upon 
Ralegh to remain at home. But Sir Robert re- 
fused to listen to her prayer. Ralegh went to 
London, and without loss of time set about col- 
lecting the ships which were to form his squadron, 
and a picked company of men to go with him. 
In his preparations he was actively assisted by Sir 
Robert Cecil, then a great man at the royal court, 
and by the gallant admiral. Lord Howard of Effing- 
ham, who had won the victory over the Spanish 
Armada. 

At last five stout vessels, amply provided with 
crews, arms, and provisions, were gathered in the 
picturesque harbor of Plymouth, near Ralegh's 
native place. The vessels had on board a number 
of light, small boats, which were certain to be 
useful when the adventurers reached the South 
American rivers. Besides the crews of the ships, 
about one hundred gentlemen, officers, and soldiers 
were gathered at the rendezvous ; and Ralegh also 



104 RALEGH 

took with him a number of rowers, boat-keepers, 

and boys. 

On the morning of a misty day in February, 
1595, everything was ready, and Ralegh, attended 
by a number of his companions, and attired in 
all his finery, proceeded on board his flagship. 
The vessels in the harbor displayed their flags and 
pennons in honor of the expedition. The quays 
were crowded with a curious multitude ; and there 
were gathered many nobles and ladies from the 
region round about, who had assembled to bid the 
bold voyagers God-speed and a happy return. Ra- 
legh stood erect upon the deck, the long feathers 
in his hat floating in the breeze, and his velvet 
cloak wrapped about his stalwart form. With 
quick glance he looked from one ship to the other. 
The captains signalled to him that they were pre- 
pared to weigh anchor. Waving his hand to the 
crowd of his friends on shore, he gave the order 
to set sail. The ships, with sails set and flags 
flying, slowly passed out of the harbor; and 
presently the fair town of Plymouth, and then the 
white cliffs of his native Devon, faded from Ra- 
legh's view. 

The first destination of the squadron was the 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 10$ 

Canary Islands, off the African coast ; the same 
islands on which Vasco da Gama had landed just 
about a hundred years before. Ralegh's ships 
reached them without accident, and there took in 
a fresh supply of water and provisions. Just as 
the squadron was setting sail again, Ralegh espied, 
in the distance, a Spanish ship. The temptation 
to attack and capture her was too strong for him 
to resist. 

Whenever and wherever Walter Ralegh could 
inflict injury on the Spaniards, whom he so bitterly 
detested, he did so with eagerness. He ordered 
his vessels to bear down upon the new-comer ; 
and after a brief, hot fight, the Spaniard surren- 
dered, and the English voyagers boarded her. To 
Ralegh's delight he found that the cargo of the 
captured ship consisted of fire-arms; these he 
caused to be stowed away in his own squadron, 
and then let the captive vessel go. 

Proceeding on his voyage, he not long after en- 
countered and captured another prize. A Flemish 
ship was sailing homeward with a cargo of fine 
wines. Ralegh attacked her without hesitation, 
^nd soon made her lower her flag to him. The 
wine, to the amount of twenty huge hogsheads, 



I06 RALEGH : 

was transferred to his own ship, and the Flemish 
craft was compelled to return home empty. 

The course of the squadron was now directly 
across the stormy Atlantic. Ralegh himself, who 
had long and carefully studied the art of naviga- 
tion, commanded its movements. Meanwhile he 
passed many a monotonous hour at sea with the 
books which he had brought to beguile him on 
his way. He studied the rude charts of the coast 
and country whither he was sailing, and read 
with absorbing interest the accounts of the pre- 
vious voyages which had been made to those 
remote regions. The further the ships advanced, 
the more dazzling became his dreams of the pos- 
sible conquests and riches which lay before him, 
and the more impatient he became to reach his 
destination. 

In a little less than two months after setting out 
from Plymouth, Ralegh and his five ships came in 
sight of the island of Trinidad. It was with a 
thrill of joy that he first spied land in the new 
world, — that world of which he had heard so 
much, and which he had so often longed to behold 
with his own eyes. Anchoring in one of the har- 
bors of the island, Ralegh's first step was to make 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 10/ 

a careful survey of the coast. He tried to win the 
good will of the natives, so as to learn as much as 
possible about the mysterious country he was 
about to explore. Berreo, the adventurer whose 
expedition has been described, was still the ruler 
of Trinidad. Ralegh was resolved to punish him 
for having prevented Whiddon from going to the 
Orinoco ; and soon Berreo's conduct towards his 
own squadron strengthened this resolve. 

Berreo told the Indians of Trinidad that if any 
of them should dare to go on board any of Ra- 
legh's ships, or give him any information about the 
country, such offenders should be promptly hung 
and quartered. But already Ralegh had won the 
good will of the natives by the kind manner in 
which he treated them, and the presents which he 
lavished upon them. In spite of Berreo's savage 
threats, the Indians would creep out from the shore 
in their canoes, under the cover of night, and come 
alongside the flag-ship. They brought provisions 
to Ralegh, and were often persuaded to board the 
vessel. The poor savages loudly bewailed the cru- 
elty which the Spaniards were constantly inflicting 
upon them, and soon learned to look to the gallant 
English commander for relief and protection. 



I08 RALEGH : 

They told Ralegh, among other things, that sev- 
eral of their chiefs were at that moment lying in 
chains in the town of St. Joseph, and besought 
him to go to their rescue. 

Ralegh quickly perceived that this was a good 
opportunity at once to inflict a blow upon his 
Spanish enemy, and to gain still more securely the 
good will of the natives. So he made a sudden 
and vigorous attack upon St. Joseph, which speed- 
ily fell into his hands. He released the chiefs, 
who overwhelmed him with their gratitude, and 
from that time the Indians of Trinidad became 
devoted to him. Ralegh took occasion to tell them 
that his sovereign was a great queen, who ruled 
over a powerful island realm, and who was an in- 
veterate enemy of the Spaniards ; and he promised 
always to protect them from Spanish tyranny. 

With the capture of St. Joseph, Berreo himself 
fell into Ralegh's hands as a prisoner. But Ra- 
legh, far from delivering the Spaniard over to 
execution, gave him a spacious cabin in his own 
ship, and invited him to take his meals daily at his 
own table. Berreo, who did not suspect as yet 
that Ralegh had come thither to make the discov- 
ery of El Dorado, talked freely with him about his 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. lOQ 

own expedition to the Orinoco ; and thus Ralegh 
gathered a good deal of valuable information. 
This, with what he was constantly learning from 
the friendly natives, enabled him soon to perfect 
his own plans for exploring the main land. 

Ralegh learned that it would be in vain for him 
to attempt to navigate the river Orinoco with his 
large ships. The various mouths of this stream were 
choked up by great sand-banks, and the shifting 
tides made the channels uncertain and dangerous. 
It was necessary, therefore, to leave the ships, 
with a sufficient force to defend them, at the island 
of Trinidad, and to pursue the journey in the 
smaller craft which Ralegh had had the forethought* 
to bring along with him. He accordingly an- 
chored his squadron at a place called Los Gallos, 
in the Gulf of Paria, at a point on Trinidad nearest 
to the main land. He chose one hundred men to 
accompany him on his perilous venture, carrying 
provisions for a month ; and finally embarked in an 
old galley, a barge, two light wherries, and a ship's 
boat. 

Ralegh had with him a young Indian pilot, who 
professed to be entirely familiar with the coast, 
and with the dangerously winding channels of the 



I lO RALEGH : 

Orinoco. In crossing the strait between Trinidad 
and the main land, the frail little fleet of boats met 
with very stormy weather. The high-rolling bil- 
lows and the fierce wind reminded Ralegh of the 
rough passage between Dover and Calais. When 
at last they reached the coast, and entered that 
mouth of the river which they first found, the 
boats became so involved in the network of chan- 
nels which crossed and recrossed each other, that 
Ralegh almost despaired of being able either to 
advance or to retreat again. In the account which 
he wrote of his expedition afterwards, he said : 

" If God had not sent us help, we might have 
wandered a whole year in that labyrinth of rivers, 
ere we had found any way. I know all the earth 
doth not yield the like confluence of streams and 
branches, the one crossing the other so many 
times, and all so fair and large, and so like to one 
another, as no man can tell which to take. And if 
we went by the sun or compass, hoping thereby to 
go directly one way or other, yet that way also we 
were carried in a circle amongst multitudes of 
islands. Every island was so bordered with big 
trees, as no man could see any further than the 
breadth of the river or length of the branch." 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. Ill 

The young Indian pilot, who was sincerely anxious 
to fulfil his task, proved to be really ignorant of 
the various channels ; and so the Englishmen were 
obliged to trust to their own experience and judg- 
ment. At last they were extricated from their 
difficulty and peril by a lucky accident. 

The boats happened to turn up a channel which 
seemed deeper and easier than the rest. After 
rowing a few hours, Ralegh was surprised and 
delighted to espy, just on ahead, a little canoe, with 
three natives, crossing the rapid stream. He or- 
dered his rowers to make all speed, and, if possible, 
overtake the canoe. The natives, as soon as they 
perceived the strange craft making towards them, 
with white men in it, took fright and hurried their 
own rowing. But the skilful English oars were too 
quick for them, and soon the barge (in which was 
Ralegh himself) overtook the canoe, and the men 
seized its occupants. 

Ralegh, by many signs, tried to persuade the 
natives that he was friendly, and had no hostile 
designs upon them ; and some of the Indians whom 
he had brought with him soon persuaded them that 
they had nothing to fear. One of the three 
natives was an old man, with a wise and solemn 



112 RALEGH: 

face, who proved to have a thorough knowledge of 
the river and the country round about. He was 
induced, by means of presents and gentle treat- 
ment, to be the pilot of the expedition, and under- 
took his task with hearty good will. 

That evening, Ralegh and his comrades landed 
on a little knoll, which was mostly overgrown with 
dense reeds and tropical vegetation, and there, amid 
the stillness of the strange and savage land, — 
a stillness broken only by the sound of the 
wild rush of the river's current, — the adventurers 
feasted on such plain fare as they had brought 
with them, and slept soundly after their desperate 
struggling with the formidable waters. The faith- 
ful Indians kept guard as they slept. They rose 
bright and early in the morning, and with stout 
hearts prepared to resume their perilous journey. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. II 3 




CHAPTER VIII. 

ADVENTURES ON THE ORINOCO. 

N launching forth, the next morning, upon 
the stream, Ralegh and his companions 
found that their difficulties and dangers 
were by no means over. Their old Indian guide 
promised them that after a while they would 
reach smoother waters, and would find, some dis- 
tance above, a large Indian village, where they 
were sure of being hospitably welcomed, and aided 
in penetrating the interior. 

Meanwhile it was all that the five frail crafts 
could do to breast the extremely rapid and violent 
currents. Sometimes the men were obliged to go on 
shore, and pull their boats over the rapids which 
they now and then encountered. Then they came 
upon treacherous shoals, over which they pushed 
their boats with difficulty, and where they were at 
times completely stranded. And now the rank 
rushes and reeds grew so thick on either bank, 



114 RALEGH : 

and so close to the water's edge, that the adven- 
turers were stifled for want of air, and could not 
find a place on the shore where to set their feet. 
They proceeded thus slowly, and with so many 
drawbacks, for four weary days ; at the end of 
which they reached another branch of the river, 
where they were able to proceed more easily. 

"We fell," relates Ralegh, "into as goodly a 
river as ever I beheld, called the Great Amana, 
which ran more directly without windings or 
turnings than the other ; but soon the flood of the 
sea left us, and being forced either by main 
strength to row against a violent current, or to 
return as wise as we went, we had then no shift 
but to persuade the companies that it was but two 
or three days' work, and therefore desired them to 
take pains, every gentleman and others taking 
their turns to row. When three days more were 
overgone, our companies began to despair, the 
weather being extremely hot, the river bordered 
with very high trees, that kept away the air, and 
the current against us every day stronger than the 
other. But we ever more commanded our pilots 
to promise an end the next day ; and used it so 
long as we were driven to assure them from four 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. II5 

reaches of the river to three, and so to two, and so 
to the next reach. But so long we labored that 
many days were spent, and we were driven our- 
selves to harder allowance of our bread even at 
the last, and we had no drink at all ; while our 
men and ourselves were wearied and scorched, and 
we were, withal, doubtful whether we should ever 
reach our goal or no, the heat increasing as we 
drew near the equator." 

Still, with all these obstacles and discourage- 
ments, Ralegh observed with great curiosity and 
delight the strange country through which, as 
through a bright, varied panorama, his little flo- 
tilla was passing. Before his eyes, here and 
there, stretched broad and fertile plains, which 
extended to the horizon. The rich grass was soft 
as velvet, and of a deep, luxuriant green. Stately 
copses of wide-spreading, lofty trees formed cool 
and lovely groves in the midst of these charm- 
ing expanses ; while ever and anon, nimble and 
graceful deer, with their big, soft brown eyes, 
and slender legs, peered innocently and fearlessly 
through the rushes at the voyagers, and even ven- 
tured to feed and drink on the very bank, within 
a few feet of the boats. The adventurers gazed 



Il6 RALEGH : 

upon these fair scenes with keenest pleasure, for 
they promised a fairer journey on ahead. 

"On the banks of these rivers," says Ralegh, 
**were divers sorts of fruits good to eat; flowers, 
too, and trees of such variety as were sufficient to 
make ten volumes of travels. We refreshed our- 
selves many times with the fruits of the country, 
and sometimes with fowls and fish. We saw birds 
of all colors ; some carnation, some crimson, or- 
ange, tawny, purple, and so on ; and it was unto us 
a great good passing time to behold them, besides 
the relief we found by killing some store of them 
with our fowling-pieces." 

After some days, the old Indian guide told 
Ralegh that they were now quite near the village 
of which he had spoken. But it would not be 
well, he said, that all the boats should go thither ; 
for that might lead the natives to fear that a hos- 
tile attack upon them was meditated. So Ralegh 
himself, accompanied only by three or four of his 
companions and by the guide, proceeded up a 
branch of the river in the smallest of his boats, 
and boldly went ashore where the huts of the 
Indians were grouped together at the river side. 
The Indians at first stared at the strangers with 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. II^ 

faces full of fear and suspicion, and some of them 
ran into the woods. But the guide hastened to let 
them know that Ralegh and his comrades were not 
Spaniards, — who had got a bad name through all 
that country, by reason of their greed of gold and 
many deeds of wanton cruelty, — but friendly white 
men, who had come thither with innocent designs. 
Then the natives gathered around the strangers, 
and curiously inspected them. Several young 
Indians took hold of Ralegh's tunic, and touched 
his broad hat, and made other demonstrations of 
friendliness ; for their fears had speedily vanished. 
The Englishmen went freely into their huts and 
sat down ; and there they were regaled with such 
primitive fare as the little village afforded. Ralegh 
observed that these natives, though living in a 
savage state, were gentle and simple in character, 
and were, many of them, handsome and graceful 
men and women. After he had duly inspected the 
village, and had made some presents to his kind- 
hearted hosts, he prepared to return to the ren- 
dezvous of the boats. On his taking leave of the 
village, the natives brought him a quantity of 
bread, fish, and hens, and he took leave of them 
with many signs of friendship and cordiality. 



Il8 RALEGH: 

Soon after returning to the rest of his company 
the voyage of the boats was continued up the Ori- 
noco. They had not gone far when they saw two 
canoes crossing the river. These they speedily 
overtook, and were dehghted to find that they 
contained a large quantity of very nice bread, — 
the nicest, they declared, of which they had par- 
taken since they had left the shores of old Eng- 
land. The feast which the men had upon this 
bread so restored their spirits, that they exclaimed, 
" Let us go on ; we care not how far." As they 
progressed they kept seeing other canoes, some of 
which they captured, while others escaped them. 
In one of the latter they were surprised and indig- 
nant to see three Spaniards ; but in vain did they 
give these enemies chase. Ralegh had now 
learned from the Indians that the Spaniards had 
told them that the English were cannibals and 
robbers, and this made him very careful to always 
treat the Indians so well that they would see that 
the Spaniards had lied. 

The adventurers next came upon a number of 
Indian villages on the banks, at each of which 
they took occasion to stop. Ralegh was so kind 
to the savages, that everywhere he went he left a 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 19 

good name behind him, and completely won the 
affection of the various tribes. If any of his men 
stole anything from the Indian huts, he not onl}i 
caused the articles stolen to be returned, but 
ordered the thieves to be whipped and branded in 
the presence of the simple folk they had robbed. 

It was not long before all the tribes in the 
neighboring country had heard all about Ralegh 
and his companions, and especially about the kind- 
ness with which he treated the people wherever he 
appeared among them. As the boats passed up the 
river, the natives would come flocking down to the 
banks to greet the strangers, bringing with them 
their women and children ; and they never failed 
to offer Ralegh a great abundance of provisions. 
The Englishmen feasted daily upon fish and fowl, 
succulent roots, and delicious fruit of many sorts ; 
and now and then they dined royally on the 
haunches of venison which the Indians roasted 
over the big fires and laid before them. Among 
the fruits which were thus lavishly bestowed upon 
the new-comers were pineapples of enormous size, 
and deliciously fragrant and sweet. Ralegh called 
them "the prince of fruits." 

One day, the boats reached a point on the Ori- 



120 RALEGH : 

noco where another great river, only second to the 
Orinoco in width and the force of its current, 
emptied into it. This was the river Caroni. Near 
this junction of streams the country was more 
beautiful and fertile than any which Ralegh had 
yet encountered in this remote land. The river 
banks and plains were fairly studded with neat, 
prosperous Indian villages; and as the favorable 
news of Ralegh and his comrades had preceded 
him thither, their welcome was as warm and 
gratifying as possible. No sooner had they landed 
in this region, than the natives flocked about them 
in great numbers, and showed them in a hundred 
ways how much the English were trusted and 
liked. **They came," says Ralegh, "to wonder at 
our nation, and to bring us down victual, which 
they had in great plenty." 

Among the Indians who thus gathered about 
the voyagers, was a wise old chief named Topia- 
wari, with whom Ralegh soon became intimate. 
Topiawari was a man of rare gravity and judg- 
ment, " and of good discourse," says Ralegh, 
" though he had had no help of learning or breed." 
With this old chief Ralegh held many long and 
interesting talks, as they sat beneath the cool 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 121 

shade of the trees, whose broad branches arched 
above the water. Topiawari gave him a minute 
account of all the tribes in the vicinity, and of the 
productions and capabilities of the highly fertile 
land of Guiana ; and in return shrewdly questioned 
Ralegh about England, Spain, and other European 
countries. 

One day, as Ralegh and his comrades were sit- 
ting in the midst of the groups of Indians on the 
river bank, he told them all about Queen Eliza- 
beth and her court. He spared no pains to im- 
press upon their minds what a mighty and gracious 
sovereign she was. " I dilated," he says, " on her 
majesty's greatness, her justice, her charity to all 
oppressed nations, with as many of the rest of her 
beauties and virtues as either I could express or 
they conceive." 

Perceiving that the Indians were deeply inter- 
ested in all the marvels he related about the 
queen, he beckoned to one of his sailors, and whis- 
pered in his ear. The sailor hastened down to 
one of the boats, and in a few moments reappeared, 
bringing with him a small, square object. Ralegh 
took it from him, and rising to his feet, held up the 
object to the astonished natives. 



122 RALEGH : 

" Here," he exclaimed, " is the portrait of Queen 
Elizabeth, her own royal self. Gaze upon the face 
of the most powerful and brilliant of earthly sov- 
ereigns." 

The natives crouched before the picture in an 
attitude of awe mingled with curiosity. It seemed 
as if they regarded it almost as an idol, for they 
appeared about to prostrate themselves before it. 
"They so admired and honored it," says Ralegh, 
" as it had been easy to have made them idolatrous 
thereof" They eagerly questioned him about the 
royal lady for hours together, until he fairly per- 
suaded them that she was more than mortal. 

In the midst of these primitive people, Ralegh 
and his companions spent many happy days. 
Sometimes they went hunting, and made merry 
feasts with the deer and game they brought in. 
They fished in the broad and rapid Orinoco, or 
wandered in parties of two or three through the 
stately forests, or along the sloping river banks. 
Ralegh resolved to go up the river Caroni, which, 
he was told, would lead him into the heart of the 
rich land of Guiana. It is true that he failed to 
hear any definite tidings of the golden city which 
the Spanish voyagers had described in colors so 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I23 

glowing, or of El Dorado, its mighty king. But 
the old chief, Topiawari, told him that Guiana 
abounded in fertile valleys, and that there were 
many gold and silver mines in various portions 
of it. 

So one day he bade the old chief and his people 
good-by, and expressed the hope that on his 
return towards the sea, he should see him again. 

" Alas," exclaimed Topiawari sadly, " I am very 
old, and Death calls for me daily. But yet I hope, 
good Englishman, to see you once again." 

Ralegh divided his company into four parties. 
Three of these parties started forth to explore the 
country on either bank of the Caroni, by land ; 
while the fourth took an eight-oared boat, and 
with great difficulty — for the Caroni, if anything, 
was more rapid than the Orinoco — ascended the 
river. Ralegh had been told of a famous cataract, 
which plunged and foamed over gigantic boulders, 
some miles above the junction of the streams ; and 
this he was very anxious to see. He went, there- 
fore, with the party in the eight-oared boat. It 
was very slow rowing, but at last the boat came to 
a place whence the cataract could be seen and 
heard in the distance. 



124 RALEGH : 

Ralegh and his companions made fast their boat, 
and went on shore. They found themselves at the 
foot of a lofty hill, which, thickly wooded near its 
base and along its sides, was seen to be quite bald 
and bare at its summit. Conducted by one of the 
natives as a guide, the party ascended the emi- 
nence, and, after a toilsome climb of several hours, 
found themselves amid cool breezes and a clear 
atmosphere at the top. The vision which then 
met their eyes filled them with wonder and admi- 
ration. Far below them, on every side, stretched 
one of the loveliest landscapes which mortal vision 
ever beheld. Over hill and dale were spread 
mighty forests, in some directions as far as the eye 
could reach. Just below, the broad and smiling 
valley of the Caroni presented fruitful fields, luxu- 
riant meadows, snug native villages, and all the 
brilliant and varied verdure and color of a tropical 
clime ; while in the distance, the still vaster valley 
of the Orinoco, with the most fairy-Uke scenery 
and picturesque slopes, descended with gentle sweep 
to the river banks. 

But most striking of all was the series of gigan- 
tic cascades, which formed what the natives called 
the " Great Cataract " of the Caroni. The adven- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 12$ 

turers could distinctly hear its thunderous roar, 
and see the silvery spray dashed in big sheets into 
the air. It was such a display of waters as even 
the most travelled among them had never before 
seen. 

" We beheld," wrote Ralegh afterwards, "the 
wonderful breach of waters that ran down Caroni, 
and might, from that mountain, see the river how 
it ran in three parts above twenty miles off; and 
there appeared some ten or twelve overfalls in 
sight, every one as high above the other as a 
church tower, which fell with that fury that the 
rebound of waters made it seem as if it had been 
all covered over with a great shower of rain. And 
in some places we took it at first for a smoke that 
had risen over some great town. For my own 
part," he continues, " I was well persuaded from 
thence to have returned, being a very bad walker ; 
but the rest were all so desirous to go nearer this 
strange thunder of waters, that they drew me on, 
by little and little, until we came into the next 
valley, where we might better discern the cataract. 

" I never saw a more beautiful country, or more 
lively prospects : hills so raised, here and there, 
over the valleys ; the river winding into divers 



126 RALEGH : 

branches ; the plains adjoining, all green grass, 
without bush or stubble ; the ground of hard sand, 
easy to march on, either for horse or foot ; the 
deer . crossing on every path ; the birds, towards 
evening, singing on every tree with a thousand 
sweet tunes ; cranes and herons, of white, crimson, 
and carnation, perching on the river's side ; the air 
fresh, with a gentle, easterly wind; and every 
stone we stooped to pick up promising either gold 
or silver, by its complexion." 

Ralegh and his party explored the river above 
the cataract, to see whether the expedition could 
proceed by it further into the depths of the coun- 
try ; but the Caroni was at that point so boisterous 
and rapid, and so full of waterfalls and rocks, that 
Ralegh decided a longer journey by this way im- 
possible. The party therefore clambered down to 
their boat again, and the swift current soon wafted 
them back to the junction of the two rivers. 

On returning to the place of rendezvous, they 
found that the other three parties, who had gone 
exploring on foot, had arrived before them, and 
were awaiting them with much eagerness and 
anxiety. Ralegh was welcomed with a hearty 
greeting, and hastened to ask the parties what 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 27 

they had seen and found. They had many mar- 
vellous incidents to relate. The leader of one of 
the parties assured him that they had discovered 
traces of gold in many places, and in witness of 
this, he showed Ralegh several pieces of the shin- 
ing ore. 

" We had with us," said he, " no tools or other 
appliances with which to get the ore out, and so 
we tore it out as well as we could with our dag- 
gers, and even with our fingers. For, sir, the 
veins in these places lie, most often, a fathom or 
two deep in the rocks. Near one of the rivers I 
found of white spar, or flint, a very great ledge or 
bank, which I endeavored to break by every means 
I could, because there appeared on the outside 
some small grains of gold ; but finding no means to 
work the same upon the upper part, on seeking the 
sides of the rock, I found a cleft in it from whence, 
with daggers and the head of an axe, we got out a 
small quantity of it." 

This story of the finding of gold filled Ralegh 
and all his companions with dazzling anticipa- 
tions. It seemed to give promise, after all, of those 
glittering riches of which they had heard so much, 
and of a discovery which would carry their renown 



128 RALEGH: 

throughout the world. Ralegh himself had another 
object in making his perilous expedition, besides 
that of finding the precious metals. It was his 
ambition to establish the English dominion in 
America ; to deprive the Spaniards of some of the 
glory of western discovery, and divide it with 
them ; to capture possessions for Queen Elizabeth, 
which otherwise would fall into Spanish hands ; 
and to secure a place on American soil where 
English colonists might go, and settle, and thrive. 
But it was a great source of joy to him that he 
could carry back to the old country the news, that 
in this new land which he had explored, and in 
which he had, by kind treatment, won the affection 
of the native tribes, there was certainly a vast and 
unknown treasure of the precious metals. 

No sooner had the parties returned to their old 
quarters than the natives again flocked to see 
them, and to bring them, as a proof of their good 
will, an abundant supply of provisions. The place 
soon had the appearance, as Ralegh declared, of 
" a great market, or fair, in England ; " for the 
natives heaped up their venison and other game, 
their fruits, herbs and roots, in rows ; and the 
wearied, hungry, worn-out travellers were invited 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I2g 

to pass among the piled-up heaps of good things, 
and to help themselves, each to that which he 
most craved Thus the adventurers passed several 
days, feasting and making merry, and amusing 
themselves with tne good-hearted natives. 



I30 



RALEGH : 



CHAPTER IX. 

ralegh's return home. 



NE day, while Ralegh was sitting in front 
of his tent, chatting and smoking with 
some of his comrades, he saw a group of 
Indians approaching him ; and when they came 
near, he was surprised and delighted to perceive 
that the foremost of them was his old friend, the 
chief Topiawari. He hastened to rise and em- 
brace the aged man, and invite him into his tent. 
Topiawari, whose tribe dwelt some distance above 
on the banks of the Orinoco, had conceived such 
an affection for Ralegh, that when he heard of his 
return to the junction of the rivers, he could not 
resist the temptation to talk with the kind and 
brave Englishman once more. 

The old chief, as has been said, was intelligent 
and wise far above the rest of the natives whom 
Ralegh met ; and Ralegh now spent many hours 
each day talking with him, listening to his accounts 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I3I 

of the neighboring tribes, and planning with him 
how the Spaniards should be kept out of the 
country, and how the English should establish 
themselves there. He found Topiawari eager that 
the English should become the masters of Guiana, 
and ready to do anything he could to bring about 
such an end. Topiawari then asked Ralegh if he 
would not leave some of his companions behind, 
so as to aid the natives in repelling the attacks of 
the Spaniards. It appeared that many of the Eng- 
lish were as anxious to remain as the natives were 
to have them. Ralegh told the old chief that his 
force was already so small that he could with diffi- 
culty protect himself on his return ; but he con- 
sented at last to leave two of his most trusted 
followers, who should remain in the country until 
another expedition should come thither from Eng- 
land. 

The two men who were chosen to remain were 
Francis Sparrey, and a youth named Hugh Good- 
win. It may be said here that Sparrey, after 
dwelling several years among the Indians, and 
meeting with many thrilling adventures, was cap- 
tured by the Spaniards, and sent in irons to Spain, 
where he was long kept in prison, and returned at 



132 RALEGH: 

last to England seven years after Ralegh's expedi- 
tion to Guiana. The youth, Goodwin, remained 
with the Indians a great while, and there Ralegh 
found him, more than twenty years after, dressed 
in the native costume, and having become so fixed 
in all the native ways and habits, that he had 
almost forgotten his own language. 

Shortly before parting from Ralegh, the old 
chief, Topiawari, gave him his only son, a fine 
young Indian, to take with him to England ; "for," 
said the chief, " I have not long to live ; but if my 
son goes with you, he will become established as 
my successor, by the aid of the vaHant English." 

Ralegh now began to make his final preparations 
to descend the rapid waters of the Orinoco, and 
once more make his way to his ships on the island 
of Trinidad. After bidding an affectionate adieu 
to Topiawari and the crowd of natives who bit- 
terly bewailed his departure, the boats were shoved 
from the shore, and speedily floated out of sight 
of the spot where the adventurers had spent so 
many happy hours. The descent of the river was, 
of course, far more quick and easy than the ascent 
had been ; yet it was not without its accidents and 
dangers. Sometimes the boats plunged and floun- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 33 

dered among perilous rapids, where every moment 
it seemed as if they would be dashed to pieces. 
Then one of them would be stranded on a shoal, 
so that all hands were forced to turn out and push 
it off again. Sometimes they were assailed from 
the shore by tribes which were hostile to the In- 
dians whose friendship Ralegh had won above; and 
the voyagers narrowly escaped the arrows, javelins, 
and big stones which these savages, with many a 
fierce cry and war-whoop, hurled upon them from 
behind the canes and reeds which clustered on 
the river banks. Ever and anon, too, they were 
threatened by the wild beasts which dwelt in the 
tropical forests and swamps along their course. 
Panthers and leopards glared at them, and showed 
their glistening fangs from between the rank leaves 
at the water's edge. Alligators and snakes thrust 
up their shiny, scale-covered heads, and seemed 
about to approach the boats. Occasionally, the 
occupants of the boats would go on shore, and 
engage in a day's hunt, bringing back a welcome 
supply of deer and birds for their evening meal. 

The descent of the river, too, was not without 
more than one thrilling adventure and hair-breadth 
escape. One incident was thus related by Ralegh 



1 34 RALEGH : 

himself, in his narrative of the expedition. One 
day, when the party had gone ashore to rest, 
Ralegh, with a number of picked men, went a 
short way into the interior, to an Indian town 
called Winecapora. 

"The chief," he says, "was one Timitwara, at 
whose house, it being one of their feast-days, we 
found the Indians all as drunk as beggars, and the 
pots walking from one to another without rest. 
We, being weary and hot with marching, were glad 
of the plenty, though a small quantity satisfied us, 
their drink being strong and heady. After we had 
fed, we drew ourselves back to our boats on the 
river ; and then came to us all the lords of the 
country, with all such kinds of victual as the place 
yielded, and with their delicate wine of pines, and 
with abundance of hens and other provisions, and 
of those stones which we call spleen stones. We 
understood by these chieftains that their lord, Car- 
apana, had departed from Emeria, which was now 
in sight, and that he had fled to the mountains of 
Guiana, being persuaded by the Spaniards who lay 
at his house that we would destroy him and the 
country." 

As the voyagers approached the labyrinth of the 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 35 

mouths of the Orinoco, their hardships rapidly 
increased. The stormy season had now come on, 
and the river daily became more tempestuous and 
hard to navigate. At times, the rowers were 
almost fain to give up in despair. But Ralegh's 
soul was full of hope and courage, and he kept 
constantly encouraging his wearied comrades, and 
inspiring them with his own dauntless and perse- 
vering spirit. Involved in the perplexing outlets, 
the difficulties continually increased. 

"We were now," relates Ralegh, "in a most 
desperate state. For the same night in which we 
anchored in the mouth of the river Capuri, where 
it falls into the sea, there arose a mighty storm ; 
the river's mouth was at least a league broad, so 
that we ran, before night, close under the land 
with our small boats, and brought the galley as 
near as we could. But she had as much to do to 
live as could be, and there wanted little of her 
sinking, and all those who were in her. The 
longer we tarried, the worse it was ; and therefore 
I took Captains Gifford and Caulfield and my 
cousin Grenville into my barge. After it cleared 
up, we put ourselves into God's keeping, and thrust 
out into the sea, leaving the galley at anchor, as it 



136 RALEGH: 

durst not adventure, except by daylight. And so, 
being all very sober and melancholy, one faintly 
cheering another to show courage, it pleased God 
that the next day, about nine o'clock, we descried 
the island of Trinidad ; and steering for the near- 
est part of it, we kept the shore till we came to 
Curiapan, where we found our ships at anchor ; than 
which there was never to us a more joyful sight." 

The weather-beaten travellers rested with great 
comfort at Curiapan, and loitered there, on board 
the good ships which had awaited them, for several 
weeks. Ralegh at first thought that, instead of 
sailing at once for England, he would make a 
voyage to Virginia, and seek for the colony which 
he had so long before tried to plant there. But 
the stormy weather at last compelled him reluc- 
tantly to give up this project ; and so it happened 
that Ralegh never saw any part of North America, 
which he had so ardently desired to settle and 
civilize. 

The homeward voyage was accomplished with 
little incident, and with no serious mishap. On 
the way, Ralegh stopped at several Spanish settle- 
ments, where he forced the people to furnish his 
ships with provisions ; for Queen Elizabeth had 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 37 

commanded him to do the Spaniards all the injury 
he could, whenever and wherever he had the 
chance. 

It was a warm day in the latter part of August, 
1595, when the ships at last came in sight of the 
familiar harbor of Plymouth. All on board were 
wild with joy, on espying the well-known features 
of the coast, with the reflection that, after all their 
perils and adventures and hardships, they were 
about to set foot on their native land once more. 
Ralegh thought of his sweet wife, awaiting him 
with beating heart in the luxurious solitude of 
Sherborne; and of the queen, who perhaps had 
forgotten the gallant voyager amid the splendid 
pleasures and incidents of the court. He won- 
dered what had been going on in England during 
his long and weary absence from home ; and was 
impatient that all the world should hear the thrill- 
ing news of his explorations and discoveries. 

Anchoring in Plymouth harbor, he lost no time 
in hastening to Sherborne, where, it may well be 
believed, he met with a tearfully loving welcome. 
It seemed delightful to be resting once more in his 
great hall, and to wander leisurely through his um- 
brageous park; to be once more attired in soft 



138 RALEGH : 

raiment and gay colors ; to have his books and 
charts about him, and to greet the host of old 
friends who flocked to see him when they heard of 
his return. But, charming as it was to be with his 
young wife, and to enjoy again the ease and com- 
fort of Sherborne, it was not long before Ralegh 
became uneasy to visit London, to present him- 
self to the queen, and to make known at court the 
tidings of all he had seen and heard across the 
seas. 

Queen Elizabeth was now an old woman. She 
had reigned for nearly forty years ; her beauty had 
long before departed, and with the approach of age 
she had lost many of the graces and attractions 
for which she had been renowned in the earlier 
period of her sovereignty. She had become more 
and more capricious, irritable, and petulant in her 
ways at court; and, strangely enough, she still 
craved flattery, and demanded the most slavish 
attentions from those whom she looked upon as 
her lovers. For Ralegh, however, she had long 
ceased to feel the liking which she had at one time 
shown ; and so when one day he made his ap- 
pearance, and approached her with all his old 
deference and elegance of bearing, she plainly 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 39 

betrayed her indifference to him. She did, how- 
ever, so far acknowledge his great services as to 
create him a Knight ; so he was thenceforward 
known as Sir Walter Ralegh. 

The people in general were greatly excited, and 
rejoiced to hear of his success, and to know that 
Ralegh had won so important an advantage over 
the hated Spaniards in Guiana. His praises were 
in their mouths, and everywhere he went he was 
greeted as if he were a hero. But his old enemies 
at court did all they could to deprive him of the 
renown, as a voyager and discoverer, which was 
justly his due. Some of them eagerly sought to 
persuade the old queen that all that Ralegh 
narrated was a lie. They declared that he had 
never been across the Atlantic at all, but that 
while he pretended to have done so, he had really 
gone down to Cornwall, and had kept himself hid 
there all these months. They said that there was 
no such place as Guiana, and that Ralegh only 
desired to win fame for doing what he had never 
done. These slanders wounded the valiant voy- 
ager to the quick. He resolved that he would 
write a full account of his expedition, and publish 
it, so that all the world should know what he had 



140 RALEGH : 

really accomplished. So he went down to Sher- 
borne, and shut himself up for several months ; 
and when he returned to London, he had finished 
his book, "The Discovery of Guiana," which 
was read throughout England with the deepest 
interest. 

Although Ralegh was now out of favor with the 
queen, and was therefore but seldom seen about 
the royal court, he was still one of the most 
conspicuous figures in London society. After 
completing his book, he entered with all his old 
zest into the pleasures and gayeties of the city, 
and found consolation for the neglect of the 
queen in the company of many of the most emi- 
nent men of the day. He was the friend of 
Lord Bacon, then in the height of his fame as a 
scholar and philosopher. Sir Robert Cecil, the 
son of the sage old Lord Burleigh, and one of the 
rising statesmen of the age, admired and honored 
the bold discoverer of Guiana ; while even the proud 
and jealous Essex, who had supplanted Ralegh in 
the affections of the queen, and was still her ruling 
favorite, became one of his intimate companions, 
and for a while a warm friendship existed between 
the former rivals. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I4I 

Ralegh, a poet and scholar, was very fond of the 
drama ; and no cavalier of those days was more 
often seen at the theatres. He was present many 
a night at the Globe and Blackfriars theatres, 
where the plays of Shakspere were produced and 
were managed by the illustrious author himself, and 
saw Shakspere take the part of the ghost of Ham- 
let's father. Ralegh thus came to know all the 
leading dramatists and actors of the time. He 
was wont to pass evenings of revelry and brilliant 
wit at the Blue Boar, with Shakspere himself, and 
" rare Ben Jonson," and held his own with those 
bright geniuses in the sparkle of conversation 
which flashed about the heavy-laden tables of the 
cosy old inn. He told the story of his adventures 
across the seas, while the poets listened spell- 
bound to the thrilling narrative ; and it seems cer- 
tain that Shakspere made use of the accounts of 
Ralegh in some of his descriptions of strange 
countries and seas, in his "Tempest" and ''Othello." 

Amid this round of social pleasures, Ralegh did 
not forget his great project to plant an English 
settlement in Guiana. Happily he was still a rich 
man, and could pursue his ambition without assist- 
ance from the old queen, who had become indiffer- 



142 RALEGH : 

ent to discovery in America. He accordingly 
fitted out, early in the year after his return, an- 
other expedition for Guiana. He could not him- 
self go with it, for he foresaw that an event was 
about to happen which made his remaining at 
home necessary ; so he chose Captain Keymis, 
one of his comrades on the last voyage, to com- 
mand the new enterprise. 

Keymis reached the Orinoco in safety, and as- 
cended the stream, as the previous expedition had 
done. But what was his surprise and grief, on 
reaching the river Caroni, to find that the Span- 
iards under Berreo had arrived before him, and 
were encamped at the junction of the river! He 
had not sufficient force, unfortunately, to attack 
them, and was forced to divert his route, and pro- 
ceed another way up the Orinoco. He penetrated 
some distance further into the country than Ralegh 
had done, and made some valuable discoveries. 
Everywhere he went, he found that the Indians 
remembered Ralegh with affection, and that they 
were very anxious that the English should come in 
large numbers, and drive the hated Spaniards out ; 
for everywhere the Spaniards went, they robbed 
and killed the natives without mercy. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I43 

When Keymis returned to England and made 
his report to Ralegh, the latter resolved that still 
another party should go out to Guiana. He fitted 
up another small vessel, which he placed under 
the command of Captain Leonard Berry. This 
expedition, however, did not achieve more than 
that of Keymis had done ; but it at least showed 
the Indians that Ralegh had not forgotten them. 

Meanwhile Ralegh's thoughts and time were 
absorbed by a bold military project, which had 
gradually ripened in the minds of English states- 
men and generals, and in which he burned with 
a desire to take a stirring part. This was a 
desperate attack on the Spanish port of Cadiz. 
England and Spain were still bitter foes. The 
defeat of the Armada, eight years before, had only 
fanned the flames of this hostility. King Philip, 
proud and warlike, had never become reconciled to 
the destruction of his splendid fleet in the British 
Channel. He yearned for revenge, and had for 
years devoted himself to the raising of another 
naval armament, with which to once more attack 
his obstinate enemy. This new fleet was now 
gathered in Cadiz harbor, and the purpose of the 
English was to assail, and if possible to destroy it. 



144 RALEGH : 

They also intended to capture the rich and beauti- 
ful city of Cadiz itself, wherein they were sure to 
find a great deal of booty to bring away with 
them. 

Among those who were most eager to make this 
attack were the gallant Lord Howard of Effing- 
ham, who had commanded in the battle with the 
Armada, the Earl of Essex, Lord Bacon, and Ra- 
legh. The queen, who had grown timid in her old 
age, at first refused to listen to the plan ; but finally 
gave her reluctant consent. It was resolved that 
the English fleet should be commanded by Lord 
Howard and the Earl of Essex, the former direct- 
ing the movements of the ships, and the latter 
leading the land forces. With them, second in 
command, were to go Ralegh, and Thomas How- 
ard, the admiral's son. Ralegh at once set to work 
busily enlisting sailors and soldiers, and preparing 
for departure. 

In a few weeks the fleet was collected in Plym- 
outh harbor ; and a noble sight it was to see this 
forest of lordly vessels, newly fitted and painted, 
with their flags and pennons floating in the bril- 
liant June sunlight, their guns peeping grimly from 
the port-holes, and their decks crowded with gayly 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I45 

dressed soldiers, tough, bronzed sailors, and groups 
of officers with velvet cloaks and plumed hats. In 
all, the English fleet comprised seventeen men-of- 
war and seventy-six smaller craft, most of which 
were used for the transporting of the soldiers. 
There were, besides, a large number of pinnaces 
and other small boats, which were to follow the 
expedition. The fleet was divided into four squad- 
rons, one of five vessels, the other three of four 
vessels each; and one of these squadrons was 
placed under Ralegh's command. 

A short time before the day appointed for the 
saihng of the expedition, a fine fleet of Dutch men- 
of-war made its appearance in the channel, and was 
greeted, as it drew slowly into the harbor, by a 
deafening shout of welcoming cheers. This Dutch 
fleet had come to join that of England in the 
attack upon Cadiz. It consisted of twenty-four 
vessels, and brought about twenty-five hundred 
Dutch soldiers, in quaint, prim uniforms, and with 
stout, sturdy frames. In all, the force of the com- 
bined squadrons consisted of about sixteen thou- 
sand soldiers and sailors. 

Ralegh, who had now gathered his quota of 
men, and had assumed the command of his squad- 



146 RALEGH: 

ron, hailed with delight the order of Lord Howard 
that the armament should set sail. With swellins: 
heart he gazed at the long line of stately vessels, 
as, four abreast, they slowly sailed out of the har- 
bor. The guns thundered forth a cheery farewell 
to old England ; the shouts from the decks were 
echoed by answering cries from the multitudes 
who, from the wharves, witnessed the departure ; 
and then Ralegh turned his gaze seaward, and 
gave himself up to the visions of the glory he 
hoped to reap from the dangerous venture on which 
he had embarked. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 14/ 



CHAPTER X. 

SEA-FIGHTS WITH THE SPANIARDS. 

HE fleet arrived in sight of Cadiz about 
a fortnight after setting sail. On the 
voyage, Ralegh detached his squadron 
from the rest and sailed on ahead, in order to in- 
tercept any Spanish vessels which might be going 
to 0" coming from Cadiz. He scoured the sea 
off the Spanish coast, and took several prizes ; and 
then hastened to rejoin the fleet. When he came 
near the other vessels, he saw, to his surprise, that 
the soldiers were disembarking from them, and 
were taking boats to go on shore. He hastened 
on board the ship where the Earl of Essex was, 
and protested against landing the troops. With 
earnest eloquence he insisted that the Spanish 
fleet should be attacked and conquered before the 
town was assailed by the land forces. 

At first the Earl of Essex, who commanded the 
land forces, was impatient to begin by taking the 



148 RALEGH : 

town. Ralegh, however, was determined. He 
hastened from Essex's ship to that of Lord Howard, 
the admiral, and persuaded him that the best way 
was to first fight the ships. Essex soon came to the 
same conclusion ; and anxious as he had been at 
the beginning for the land attack, he was now so 
glad that the fleet was to go into action first, 
that, taking his handsome plumed hat, he threw it 
into the water in his delight. The soldiers were 
ordered to return on board the ships from the 
boats, and Lord Howard gave the command to the 
squadrons to prepare for the conflict. 

The harbor of Cadiz was seen to be crowded 
with a perfect forest of stately men-of-war. There 
were many more ships than the attacking fleet 
contained. They were ranged in compact rows 
close to the shore, just beneath the towering and 
frowning castle of Cadiz ; and on either side they 
were protected by fortresses, whence heavy guns 
peeped forth to defend them. In all, there were 
nearly sixty large vessels, four of which were great 
galleons, which, with their lofty sides and enormous 
bulk, looked fairly invincible. Besides these, there 
were twenty galleys moored near by. 

Under cover of the dusk, on the evening of the 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I49 

20th of June, 1596, the British ships quietly and 
rapidly took their position in line. To the gallant 
Ralegh, whose wise advice had decided the manner 
of attack, was given the honor of leading it. The 
ships of his squadron, therefore, assumed their 
places in the van of the fleet. His own flag-ship, 
the "Water-Sprite," floated in the very front of the 
entire array. Just behind were the " Mary Rose," 
commanded by Ralegh's cousin, Sir George Carew, 
and the "Rainbow," commanded by Sir Francis 
Vere. In the rear of these were the " Lion," 
" Dreadnaught," and '* Nonpareil," — all sturdy 
men-of-war, full-armed, their occupants eager for 
the fray. 

" With the first peep of day," writes Ralegh, 
describing the battle, " I weighed anchor, and bore 
down on the Spanish fleet, taking the start of all 
ours a good distance." It was not long before 
Ralegh's approach was observed from the Spanish 
fleet. Instantly a huge galleon, the " Saint Philip," 
the largest in the Spanish navy, swung out of her 
position, followed by the " Saint Andrew," second 
only to the other in size. Ralegh thought that these 
sea-giants were coming to meet him. Instead of 
that, they sailed for a narrow strait in the harbor, 



1 50 RALEGH : 

followed by the rest of the Spanish fleet, and cast 
anchor just under a great fortress, called Fort 
Puntal. There the big galleons and their sister 
ships ranged themselves in close array, and awaited 
the Englishman's attack. 

Ralegh, with the impetuous courage of his char- 
acter, bore straight down upon this formidable 
array. The sun's rays were just now streaming 
over the picturesque town, gilding its pinnacles 
and spires, and lighting up the whole scene in the 
harbor. The " Water- Sprite," " Mary Rose," and 
" Rainbow " led the attacking fleet, their streamers 
flying and their big sails flapping in the brisk 
morning breeze. 

As soon as Ralegh had come near enough to the 
" Saint Philip" and the " Saint Andrew," he ordered 
his cannon to open their throats. Then arose the 
dread din and confusion of naval conflict. To 
Ralegh's cannon answered those of the Spanish 
galleons and of Fort Puntal. Ralegh himself passed 
rapidly from point to point on deck, encouraging 
and urging on his men, and exposing himself as 
freely as the rest ; wherever there was faltering, 
there he appeared, and with burning words inspired 
the troops to their utmost exertion. 




Ralegh uficiNG and encouraging his Men. Page 150 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I51 

Ralegh was anxious to fight his way on board 
(tie mighty "Saint Philip." But he had been 
ordered not to do so until the fly-boats came 
ap. He fought on desperately for three long 
hours, but the fly-boats did not arrive. Mean- 
while, the booming of the cannon, the clouds of 
^moke, the shouts and noise, were heard with im- 
patience by the rest of the English fleet in the 
rear. The Earl of Essex, burning with eagerness 
to take his part in the excitement and peril of the 
fray, at last found it impossible to lie idle any 
)onger, and ordered his flag-ship to pass through 
the advance line of vessels, and make its way to the 
front. Ralegh soon found Essex close by his side ; 
he was now chafing with rage because the fly- 
boats had not come. In spite of the peril, he 
jumped into a light skiff, and was rowed over to 
Essex's ship. He told Essex he would certainly 
board the ** Saint Philip," if the fly-boats did not 
soon arrive, even though it were against the admi- 
ral's orders. " For/' said he to the Earl, " to burn 
or to sink is the same loss ; and I must endure one 
or other." 

"I will second you," answered the generous 
Essex, " upon my honor." 



152 RALEGH: 

Ralegh hastened back with all speed to the 
" Water Sprite," where his men were fighting with 
desperate and leonine courage. No sooner had he 
mounted to the deck, however, than he perceived 
that two other vessels of his squadron, the " Rain- 
bow " and " Nonpareil," had forced themselves into 
a position in front of his own. Their commanders 
were eager to bear the peril and win the honors of 
the sea-fight. But Ralegh was not wilUng that 
this glory should be thus snatched from him ; so 
he ran the ** Water Sprite" between the other two 
ships, and passing them, again took up his position 
in the van. Sir Francis Vere, the captain of the 
** Rainbow," was resolved, if possible, to keep to 
the front, as well as Ralegh ; so when he saw the 
"Water Sprite" pass him, he slyly caused a rope 
to be fastened to her side connecting with the 
" Rainbow," so as to keep the latter abreast of 
Ralegh's ship. " But," writes Ralegh, " some of 
my company advising me thereof, I caused the 
rope to be cast off, and so Vere fell back into his 
place. I guarded him, all but his very prow, from 
the sight of the enemy. I was very sure that 
none would outstart me again for that day." 

Ralegh now advanced in order to board the 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 53 

'' Saint Philip ; " for fortune had gone against the 
Spaniards, and the big galleons lay apparently 
helpless in the face of their valiant enemy, while 
the guns of the fort appeared to be silenced. The 
English commander had, indeed, almost clutched 
his splendid prize, when it escaped him. The 
Spaniards, finding that the "Saint Philip" and 
other galleons would certainly be captured, made 
haste to let slip, and to run the huge vessel and 
several of her sister ships aground on the strand. 
Then the order was hurriedly given to blow them 
up. The Spaniards preferred destroying their 
noble vessels to having them fall into EngHsh 
hands. Ralegh saw the Spanish sailors and sol- 
diers " tumbling out of the ships into the sea, in 
heaps, as thick as if coals had been poured out of 
a sack into many pots at once." Then he heard 
the deafening roar of the explosions, and the air 
was straightway filled with flying spars and sails, 
and shivered portions of the doomed galleons. 
The water in their vicinity was now alive with the 
struggling swarms of Spaniards, desperately trying 
to save themselves. 

" The spectacle," says Ralegh, " was very lamen- 
table, for many drowned themselves ; many, half 



154 RALEGH : 

burned, leaped into the water ; very many hung 
by the ropes' ends, by the ships' sides, under the 
water, even to the lips ; many swimming, with 
grievous wounds, struck under water, and were put 
out of their pain ; and, withal, so huge a fire and 
such tearing of the guns in the great ' Saint Philip ' 
and the rest, when the fire came to them, as, if any 
man had a desire to see hell itself, it was there 
most lively figured." 

Victory now perched on the banners of the Eng- 
Hsh ; and of all the gallant warriors of that day, 
Ralegh had been the most persistent, daring, and 
heroic. It only remained to gather the fruits of 
the triumph. Ralegh was quick to perceive that 
the " Saint Andrew," the largest of the galleons 
except the '* Saint Philip," still remained afloat, 
and hastened to board and capture her, which he 
did without difficulty. Another Spanish ship, the 
** Saint Matthew," in like manner fell into his 
hands. These two were the only vessels, of all 
the Spanish fleet which had so proudly ridden in 
Cadiz harbor the night before, which had escaped 
the flames. In the moment of triumph, the 
victors were merciful. The English commanders 
gave orders that all lives should be spared. These 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 55 

orders were rigidly obeyed by the English soldiers ; 
but the Dutch, whose hatred of the Spaniards was 
bitter and savage, cruelly slaughtered many of 
their hapless prisoners. 

In the later part of the battle, Ralegh himself 
had been severely wounded in the leg. But he 
had refused to leave the scene of action, or to give 
up the command of his ship. He was resolved 
that, in spite of his wound, he would go on shore 
with the troops, and witness the taking of the 
town of Cadiz. As he could not ride on horse- 
back, a litter was prepared for him, and upon this 
he was lowered into one of the boats, rowed 
ashore, and taken, on the shoulders of some of his 
faithful soldiers, to a point whence he could observe 
the brief but furious struggle which resulted in a 
second victory for the English. Cadiz was cap- 
tured and plundered, and although the lives of the 
people were spared, the castle, fortifications, and 
the greater part of the town itself, were burned or 
torn down. To this day, the marks of this mem- 
orable battle may be seen at Cadiz. 

There was nothing left to do but to collect the 
spoils, to put the Spanish prisoners on board the 
fleet, and to set sail again for England. When the 



156 RALEGH : 

fleet made its appearance again at Plymouth, it was 
received by the people with the wildest joy and 
enthusiasm. The news of the glorious victory had 
already arrived, and all England was ringing with 
praises of the valor and victory of its heroes. 
Spain had now, thanks to Ralegh and his com- 
rades, been stripped forever of her ability to injure 
her English rival ; England's power was supreme 
on the sea. Strangely enough, at the royal court 
alone the news was heard without joy, and the 
visitors were received without a cordial welcome. 
The avaricious old queen was angry because her 
share of the spoils taken from the Spaniards was 
not so great as she had fondly hoped ; and her 
courtiers were jealous of the warlike renown which 
Ralegh and Essex had so bravely won. Ralegh 
was greeted as coldly as he had been before his 
departure with the fleet. He had long been de- 
prived of his office as captain of the Queen's 
Guard ; and even his bravery at Cadiz did not at 
once win it back for him. Nor did he receive any 
share of the rich spoils which had been secured by 
his exertions and those of his comrades. "What 
the generals have got," he said, " I know least. 
For my own part, I have got a lame leg, and 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 57 

deformed. I have not wanted good words, and 
exceeding kind and regardful usage ; but I have 
possession of nought but poverty and pain." 

Not long after, however, the old queen was per- 
suaded by Sir Robert Cecil to invite Ralegh to 
come once more to court ; and so he and his wife, 
whom the queen had now forgiven, reappeared in 
the brilliant throng which gathered daily in the 
halls and corridors of the royal palace. Finally 
Elizabeth restored Ralegh to his old office of cap- 
tain of the guard ; and the next day he rode forth, 
in all the splendor of his uniform, at the queen's 
side. The Earl of Essex ' had ceased, for the 
while, to be jealous of his former rival, and the 
old days of power and prosperity seemed to have 
returned to the brave warrior and voyager. 

But the ambition of Ralegh, Essex, and other 
cavaliers, who had been so elated by their triumph 
at Cadiz, did not allow them to rest long idle amid 
the pleasures and indolence of court life. A year 
had not passed before they became " restless to 
make new ventures for glory and spoils, and to 
attack once more England's mortal enemy, Spain. 
It was rumored that King Philip had not even yet 
given up his intention to avenge his many defeats, 



158 RALEGH: 

and that he was preparing still another fleet with 
which to invade Ireland. 

Queen Elizabeth was anxious for peace and rest, 
but she was so much attached to Essex that he at 
last persuaded her to consent to a resumption of 
the war on the ocean. Essex lost no time in put- 
ting his design into execution. He at once fitted 
out a new fleet, of which he himself assumed the 
chief command. This fleet was divided into two 
squadrons ; over one Ralegh was placed, and over 
the other. Lord Thomas Howard. The sailing of 
the expedition was postponed for several weeks, 
owing to the tempests which prevailed. It finally 
set out early in July, 1597; but the storms still 
raged, and scarcely had the fleet got well out to 
sea before it encountered furious gales. 

"The storm so increased," wrote Ralegh after- 
wards, "and the billows were so raised and en- 
raged, that we could carry no sail. On Saturday 
night we made account to have yielded ourselves 
up to God." They were at last forced to put back 
to Plymouth, and there the ships lay idle a month. 
They then started forth afresh, only to be tossed 
about and separated by new tempests ; but the 
brave commanders were resolved to risk every 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. ISQ 

peril to achieve their purpose. After the squad- 
rons had lost sight of each other, and had long 
wandered the stormy seas in search of each other, 
they at last came together off the Azores, much to 
the delight of all on board. Ralegh and Essex 
fondly embraced, hastily recounted the adven- 
tures and perils each had had since parting, and 
then took counsel as to what course they should 
now pursue. 

It was suspected that a Spanish merchant fleet 
from the East Indies would soon pass the Azores 
on its way to Spain ; and Essex resolved to await 
it, and if possible to capture it. Meanwhile he 
would take some of the Azores islands, so that the 
Spanish ships might not find refuge in their har- 
bors. Accordingly he despatched Ralegh with his 
squadron to Fayal. Ralegh soon arrived in sight 
of the town. He gazed on it with surprise and 
admiration, for it was a handsome town, nestled 
picturesquely on the shore, and rising upon the 
hills behind. As the English ships approached, a 
great commotion was observed in the town. The 
streets soon filled with people, and Ralegh saw 
them pouring out upon the hills, and hastening 
with all their might into the country beyond. 



l6o RALEGH : 

Ralegh cast anchor just outside the harbor, for he 
expected the other squadron to join him there, and 
aid him in the attack. Above the town loomed a 
formidable citadel, which seemed ready to defend 
the town to the last. 

After waiting for the other ships for three days, 
Ralegh's men became very eager to attack the 
town without them. They were suffering for want 
of fresh water, and the sight of the fair and pros- 
perous town, with its air of comfort and luxury, 
roused their cupidity and impatience to the highest 
point. Ralegh was unwilling to make the attack 
before Essex arrived ; but at last, giving up the 
hope that he would soon come, he satisfied his men 
by declaring that the town should be assailed the 
next day. 

The sun had not risen next morning, when the 
boats were lowered from the ships, and two hun- 
dred and sixty men had rapidly and quietly taken 
their places in them. In the foremost boat was 
Ralegh himself; for, whenever he commanded an 
attack, he always placed himself at the head of his 
soldiers, and shared the struggles and dangers of 
battle with them. The boats were swiftly rowed 
towards the shore. But before they could ap- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. l6l 

proach it, their movements had been discovered ; 
and when they came near, they were overwhelmed 
with a tremendous volley from the frowning cit- 
adel. The men quailed beneath this attack ; one 
or two of the boats capsized ; and for a moment it 
seemed as if destruction awaited all of the rash 
assailants. In vain did Ralegh shout to his men, 
urging them to push forward ; several of the boats 
turned back, as if to fly in panic. Then Ralegh, 
to rally them, did a daring and desperate thing. 
He ordered his own oarsmen to run his boat 
straight among the rocks which lay in craggy 
masses along the shore, and cried out to the others 
to follow. The men, seeing their beloved com- 
mander in a position of such extreme danger, and 
his boat alone exposed to the storm of shot from 
the citadel, swung their boats around, and hastened 
to rejoin him. The boats soon came close together 
again, and made a bold push for the shore. Under 
the continuous fire of the citadel, they at last 
secured a landing. Ralegh marshalled his men on 
the shore, and was now rejoiced to see more boats 
coming ashore, bringing some Dutch troops who 
had come with him in his squadron. These, 
too, landed in safety; and now Ralegh found 



1 62 RALEGH: 

himself at the head of a little army of six hun- 
dred men. 

He at once gave the order to advance, and him- 
self marched forward at the head of his troops. 
Still the guns of the citadel rained a perfect tem- 
pest of shot upon them. Again and again the 
little band wavered beneath this continual assault. 
Once the men broke ranks in their distress and 
fright ; and now again Ralegh showed them a val- 
iant example. Taking with him a few picked men, 
he went forward to the bottom of the hill on which 
the greater part of the town was built. He thus 
became a mark for the shot of the enemy, which 
poured remorselessly upon him. Pretty soon Sir 
Arthur Gorges was wounded in the leg, and fell at 
Ralegh's side. Then the gallant leader himself 
was struck, and received several shots in his arm. 
This spectacle aroused the courage of the men, 
who rushed forward, and sturdily followed Ralegh 
up the hill. On entering the town, Ralegh was 
surprised to find that his approach was no longer 
resisted. The people had fled ; the soldiers in the 
citadel abandoned their guns ; and the English 
and Dutch occupied the town, and quartered them- 
selves in the deserted houses and gardens. There 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. l6$ 

they found provisions, fruits, and water in plenty, 
and spent the night in great ease and comfort. 

The next morning at sunrise, the squadron of 
the Earl of Essex appeared in the harbor. The 
Earl speedily landed, and as soon as he met Ralegh 
began to reproach him in angry tones for attacking 
the town before his arrival. Essex was jealous of 
the glory which Ralegh would reap from this heroic 
exploit. At first it seemed as if a bitter quarrel 
would ensue between the two commanders. But 
Ralegh earnestly defended himself, and persuaded 
Essex that his action had not been worthy of 
blame. 

Essex had now given up all hope of capturing 
the Spanish ships from the East Indies ; so, after 
burning the town of Fayal, he gave the order to the 
fleet to return towards England. The voyage back 
was prosperous ; and while the ships were home- 
ward bound, Ralegh took several Spanish galleons, 
and carried them along with him. Ralegh had 
thus, from first to last, been the real hero of the 
expedition. When the commanders reached Lon- 
don, and the old queen heard the story of their 
adventures, she bestowed all her smiles on Ralegh, 
and, to the surprise of all, bitterly upbraided her 



164 RALEGH: 

old lover, Essex, for not capturing the East Indian 
fleet. Essex was angry and disappointed at this, 
and abruptly retired from court, leaving Ralegh 
once more in the sole enjoyment of the queen's 
favor. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 6$ 




CHAPTER XI. 

THE ESSEX CONSPIRACY. 

UEEN ELIZABETH was now fast ap- 
proaching her seventieth year, and the 
end of her long reign. For fifty years 
she had swayed the destinies of England. That 
period had been full of brilliant exploits, of noble 
literary triumphs, and of stirring events. No court 
in Europe had shone so brilliantly with genius, 
bravery, beauty, the splendor of dress and the 
elegance of manners. Her reign had been illu- 
mined by a race of illustrious navigators and war- 
riors, like Drake, Frobisher, Hawkins, and Lord 
Howard of Effingham ; by a glorious band of 
poets, like Shakspere, Ben Jonson, Spenser, and 
Marlowe ; by the greatest of English philosophers, 
Francis Bacon ; by courtiers and cavaliers of the 
renown of Leicester, Essex, Hatton, and Sir Philip 
Sidney; and by statesmen of the rank of Lord 
Burleigh, Walsingham, Buckhurst, and Sir Robert 



f 66 RALEGH : 

Cecil. In each of these various fields of fame, Sir 
Walter Ralegh had proved himself worthy of a 
place. He had been a navigator with Drake, a 
soldier with Howard, a poet with Shakspere and 
Spenser, a philosopher with Bacon, a courtier with 
Sidney, a statesman with Burleigh and Cecil. In 
the later years of Elizabeth's reign he was the 
most conspicuous and the most universally re- 
nowned of Englishmen. He had still many years 
to live, and many adventures and vicissitudes to 
meet. But already, at the age of nearly fifty, he 
had accomplished enough to establish his renown 
to all time. 

The queen, even in her old age, had the weak- 
ness to try to seem young, and to assume the light, 
frivolous airs of a court belle. She was exces- 
sively vain of her personal appearance, and used 
every artifice to conceal her baldness and her 
wrinkles, and to present to her court a youthful 
and coquettish aspect. At this time, she painted her 
face and neck, and wore a red wig. She appeared 
in low-necked dresses, and in her attire and orna- 
ments was as showy and splendid as she had been 
forty years before. Large pearls shone in her 
ears ; a glittering necklace clasped her wrinkled 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 167 

throat; a gown of white silk, sown with pearls, 
enveloped her long, gaunt figure ; and a black silk 
mantle, trimmed with silver lace, flowed from her 
bony shoulders to the ground. 

Her last years were troubled by many perplexi- 
ties and sorrows. Old as she was, she clung to 
the handsome and impulsive Earl of Essex with a 
fond and jealous affection. The Earl, however, 
could not always hide the disgust and annoyance 
to which her maudlin sentiment subjected him. 
He had returned from his expedition to the Azores 
with a heart full of bitterness ; and soon after, his 
anger was still further aroused by the promotion 
of his enemy, Lord Howard of Effingham, to the 
rank of an Earl. Essex often became very violent 
in the councils of state, over which the queen pre- 
sided ; and on one occasion treated the queen with 
such open disrespect that he was dismissed in 
deep disgrace. He had been urging her to make 
a certain appointment. She became petulant, and 
would not listen to him. He was so angry at this 
that he turned his back upon her. Elizabeth 
turned fiercely on her favorite, and gave him a 
sharp box on the ear ; at the same time pointing 
to the door, and screeching out, in a shrill voice, 



l68 RALEGH : 

" Go, sir, and be hanged." Essex started up, and 
grasped his sword, and for a moment the aston- 
ished courtiers thought he would actually draw it 
upon his sovereign. It was long before the queen 
forgot or forgave this arrogant insult. 

For a short while after Essex and Ralegh had 
returned from the Azores, they had kept up an 
appearance of friendship. Essex had visited Ra- 
legh in his house on the Strand, and had declared 
him to be the most delightful companion he had 
ever met. Ralegh had taken care to treat Essex 
with the greatest respect. But the old quarrel 
between them soon broke out afresh, and was des- 
tined to continue to the day of Essex's unhappy 
end. Ralegh became closely allied with Sir Rob- 
ert Cecil, whose wise old father, Lord Burleigh, 
had recently died ; and together they seemed to 
have resolved upon the ruin of Essex. 

Unhappily the queen's impulsive favorite laid 
himself open again and again to the assaults of his 
enemies. Essex was sent to Ireland to quell the 
rebellion aroused by the valiant Irish chieftain, 
Hugh O'Neil. There he so conducted himself as 
to bring down upon him once more Elizabeth's 
wrath. She exclaimed, " I am no queen. That 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 169 

man sets himself above me." Essex was even 
arrested, several profitable offices were taken from 
him, and he perceived that Ralegh had become one 
of his most active enemies. 

It was while these quarrels were at their bitter- 
est, that, on the occasion of the queen's birthday, 
a great tournament was held in her presence in 
the tilt-yard at Westminster. The court gathered 
in all its fine array of silks, feathers, and jewels, to 
witness the contest. Of all the knights who ap- 
peared in the arena, Ralegh was the most noticed 
for the splendor of his armor and ornaments. The 
very shoes upon his feet were so lavishly decorated 
with jewels, that they were said to have cost six 
thousand pounds. His sword and belt fairly glit- 
tered with large gems. Chains of gold fell from 
his neck on the highly-burnished breastplate. On 
one arm he wore conspicuously a long ribbon, 
which the queen had coquettishly given him as a 
reward of his devotion. 

When Essex, also gayly accoutred, entered the 
tilt-yard, and saw his enemy so much more gor- 
geously arrayed than himself, he became very 
jealous, and resolved that, at the next tournament, 
he would not only outdo Ralegh in magnificence 



I/O RALEGH: 

of dress, but that he would try to kill him in the 
contest. 

It was not long before another tournament was 
held. Essex learned that Ralegh intended to ap- 
pear in it with still greater splendor than before, 
accompanied by a company of young nobles, all of 
whom were to wear orange-colored feathers in 
their caps. So he made haste to assemble a much 
larger company of his friends, and caused them to 
wear feathers exactly like those of Ralegh's party. 
Essex dressed himself in a complete suit of orange, 
and entered the tilt-yard at the head of his adhe- 
rents. They soon mingled and became confused 
with Ralegh's train, and the whole company of 
knights were thus supposed to be commanded by 
Essex. This plan of mixing up the two companies 
succeeded in spoiling the sport of the day, and 
snatched from Ralegh the triumph of appearing in 
the greater splendor. 

The fiery and ambitious spirit of Essex could 
not rest contented beneath the slights of the 
queen, and the favor with which his enemies, 
Ralegh and Cecil, were in these days received at 
court. Despairing of regaining his influence over 
Elizabeth, he made up his mind to enter into a 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I/I 

desperate plot to seize on power by force. He 
had still many brave and powerful friends, who 
were devoted to his fortunes, and who would go to 
any length to serve him. There were nobles and 
courtiers, too, who had been ill-treated by the 
queen and her advisers, and who were ripe for a 
conspiracy. He called together a small number 
of these at his house in London, and locking and 
barring his doors, and sitting in their midst in the 
dead of night, he unfolded his plot to them. 

He proposed no less treasonable a design than 
to seize Queen Elizabeth herself, to hold her a 
prisoner, and to exercise the royal power in her 
name. He declared that the common people of 
London were bound to him by ties of affection, 
and would help to crown the plot with success. It 
needed but a small band of brave, devoted cav- 
aliers, he said, to invade the palace, take possession 
of the queen, throw Ralegh and Cecil into the 
Tower, and assume the reins of government. The 
cavaliers eagerly assented to the plot, and on 
parting, agreed to meet on the next night. Mean- 
while Essex took means to protect the conspiracy 
from discovery. He caused his house to be care- 
fully guarded, and remained within doors, lest he 



1/2 RALEGH : 

should be arrested. Among his fellow-conspirators 
were some of the most celebrated courtiers and 
soldiers of the day. Sir Ferdinand Gorges, Sir 
Christopher Blount, the Earl of Southampton (a 
friend and patron of Shakspere), and the Earl of 
Rutland, were among the number. 

At last the day on which the plot was to be 
carried out was fixed ; it was Sunday, the 8th of 
February, 1601. The evening before, Essex sum- 
moned all his adherents to assemble at his house ; 
and they came stealthily and quietly, until the 
house and court-yard were full of conspirators, armed 
to the teeth. Ralegh had now heard a report that 
Essex intended to head a rising ; and on Sunday 
morning, he sent a message to Sir Ferdinand Gor- 
ges, at Essex's house, asking him to come at once 
to his own house in the Strand. Sir Ferdinand 
was an old friend and comrade of Ralegh's, and 
the latter was anxious to detach him from the con- 
spiracy. The conspirator replied that he would 
meet Ralegh, not at his house, but in a boat on the 
Thames. Ralegh accordingly set out in a boat 
from the bottom of his garden, which bordered on 
the river. He was quite alone. Presently the boat 
containing Gorges, attended by two cavaliers, drew 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 73 

near. The interview between the two old friends 
was short and sharp. 

" I implore you," said Ralegh, " to leave Essex, 
and hasten out of town, or you will be arrested 
and thrown into the prison of the Fleet." 

" It is too late," replied Gorges. " You will 
soon know why. I have pledged myself, and can- 
not withdraw." 

" What are you pledged to do ? " asked Ralegh, 
anxiously. 

"There are two thousand cavaliers," retorted 
Gorges, " who are resolved to die this very day, or 
to live as free men." 

Ralegh parted from his old friend with a sigh, 
and hastened back to take his part in defending 
the queen from the attack which was about to be 
made upon her. He had not gone far in his boat, 
however, when several shots whizzed by him. 
Turning around, Ralegh perceived another boat at 
a little distance away, which was occupied by sev- 
eral cavaliers. One, whom he recognized as Sir 
Christopher Blount, an adherent of Essex, was 
standing up in the bow, and aiming his gun at 
Ralegh. The latter hastened away, barely escap- 
ing the shots of his enemy. It appeared that 



1/4 RALEGH : 

when Blount heard that Ralegh was going to meet 
Gorges on the river, he resolved to kill him, and it 
was only by a narrow chance that his murderous 
purpose was foiled. 

While these events were going on, the conspira- 
tors at Essex's house had gathered in the court- 
yard, and were getting ready to issue forth on 
their rash venture. Just as they were about to set 
out, four of the queen's councillors made their 
appearance at the gate, and demanded admittance. 
No sooner had they entered, and inquired the 
cause of the gathering, than Essex ordered them 
to be arrested and kept as prisoners in his house. 
Then, putting himself at the head of his com- 
pany, he rode boldly out into the London streets, 
shouting to the people, " For the queen ! My life 
is in danger ! " 

But the citizens, upon whose devotion to him 
Essex had relied, only stared at him and his caval- 
cade with astonished and curious eyes. They 
manifested no disposition to follow him and aid 
him in his design. Their indifference dampened 
his spirits at the outset. He kept on, however, 
in the direction of the *' city," still shouting, wav- 
ing his sword, and followed by his friends. At 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 75 

the same moment, Lord Burleigh had entered the 
'* city," and proclaimed Essex a traitor ; and Lord 
Nottingham — as Lord Howard of Effingham was 
now called — was advancing rapidly upon the 
conspirators with a formidable body of troops. 
Ralegh, meanwhile, was posted, at the head of the 
Royal Guard, in the palace, so as to protect the 
person of the queen. 

When Essex heard of Lord Nottingham's ap- 
proach, he saw that his plot had failed. He could 
not, as he had hoped, seize the palace and the 
queen by surprise; nor could he for a moment 
cope with Lord Nottingham's troops. It now 
only remained to return — if indeed it was not too 
late to return — to his house again. 

With trembling voice, he gave the order to his 
followers to turn their horses' heads. They soon 
came to one of the gates of St. Paul's church, 
where Essex perceived, to his chagrin, that his 
way was barred by a huge chain stretched across 
the street. Here, too, was stationed a troop of the 
queen's soldiers, armed with guns and pikes. 
These set upon the conspirators, and Essex was 
soon overwhelmed with grief to see a young cav- 
alier, who was a dear friend of his, fall dead by his 



176 RALEGH: 

side. His own hat was shot from his head, and 
several of the cavaliers were hurled from their 
saddles. 

Essex and his comrades then galloped off 
towards the Thames, which they reached in safety ; 
there they took boats, and were soon landed at 
Essex's house. The Earl, finding himself com- 
pletely foiled, made haste to release the councillors 
whom he had ordered to be imprisoned, in the 
hope that he might thus appease the queen's 
wrath ; but at the same time he and his friends set 
to work fortifying the house as best they could. 
Then Essex burned all his papers, saying that at 
least ** they should tell no tales." 

It was not long before the conspirators found 
themselves assailed by the royal troops. Lord 
Nottingham, with his force, and Ralegh, with the 
Royal Guard, surrounded the house on every side, 
so that no man should escape. Essex soon per- 
ceived that he could not long hold out against his 
besiegers, for they numbered very many more than 
his adherents. At ten o'clock at night, he surren- 
dered to Lord Nottingham. It was a stormy, dreary 
night, and the baffled conspirators, closely guarded, 
were taken to and lodged in Lambeth Palace. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 77 

The next day, they all found a gloomy abode in the 
Tower of London, the grim jail which had held 
so many royal and noble prisoners. 

Eleven days after their arrest, Essex and the 
Earl of Southampton were arraigned before the 
House of Lords on the charge of high treason. 
The scene was a memorable one ; for many of the 
most famous men in England witnessed the trial 
of him who had been so long the queen's beloved 
favorite, and who had won the affection of a mul- 
titude of friends by his courage and generosity of 
heart. Among his accusers was Francis Bacon, 
whom Essex had loaded with favors, and who was 
indebted to Essex for his rapid rise at the bar ; 
and this ingratitude seemed to affect Essex more 
than the prospect of his conviction and execution. 
Ralegh appeared at the trial as captain of the 
Guard, and gave witness of his interview with Gor- 
ges. Otherwise he did not take an active part in 
the trial of Essex, who had become his bitter enemy. 

Essex was found guilty, and was condemned by 
the Lords to be beheaded. It was only with a 
cruel pang that the old queen could bring herself 
to sign the death-warrant of one who had long 
been so dear to her ; and she never recovered 



178 RALEGH : 

from the shock of this act for the rest of her life. 
Six days after his arraignment, the Earl of Essex 
was brought out of the Tower, and executed in the 
presence of an immense multitude. He was, after 
all, greatly loved by the people, and as the fatal 
axe fell, a great groan rose from the crowd. 

Of the other leading conspirators, Southampton 
alone was spared. He was condemned to impris- 
onment in the Tower. Sir Christopher Blount 
and two other cavaliers were beheaded a few days 
after the death of Essex. 

Ralegh, at the head of the Guards, stood near 
the scaffold on this occasion. Blount had once 
been his warm friend, and had then turned against 
him with intense hostility. When Blount mounted 
the scaffold, he looked around and asked, " Is Sir 
Walter Ralegh here ? " 

Ralegh stepped forward, and confronted the 
doomed knight. 

" Sir Walter," said Blount, in an agitated voice, 
" I thank God you are present. I had an infinite 
desire to speak with you ; to ask your forgiveness 
ere I died. Both for the wrong done you, and my 
particular ill intent towards you, I beseech you 
forgive me." 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1/9 

Ralegh warmly grasped his hand, and replied, — 

" I most willingly forgive you, and I beseech 
God to forgive you, and to give you his divine 
comfort." He then turned to the multitude, and 
added, in tones of emotion, " I protest before 
God that whatever Sir Christopher Blount meant 
towards me, I for my part never bore him any ill 
intent." 

He then embraced his unhappy enemy, and in 
another moment Blount had ceased to live. 

After the death of Essex and his comrades, 
Ralegh went to the island of Jersey, over which 
he had some time before been appointed governor. 
He spent several weeks in fortifying the island, and 
introduced some reforms into its government. 
Then he returned to London. He had been a 
member of Parliament for some years, but had 
hitherto taken only an occasional part in its pro- 
ceedings, having been very busy with other affairs. 
He now attended the sessions, and made many 
speeches on public questions, taking, in all of 
them, the side of the liberties of the people. He 
acquired a high reputation as an orator, and soon 
won a position of marked influence in the House of 
Commons. 



l8o RALEGH : 

Though Essex and almost all his old enemies 
were dead, Ralegh seems never to have fully re- 
gained the favor of Queen Elizabeth. He went 
to court, but the queen seldom consulted him on 
affairs of state. Sometimes he attended her in 
her progresses, but never as a favored cavalier. 
Yet the queen valued his services, for they were 
vigilant and faithful. When, wearied for the while 
of public life and the turmoil of the court, Ralegh 
escaped from London, and went down to his beauti- 
ful retreat at Sherborne, he plunged into all the 
pleasures of the country side with youthful ardor, 
and fairly revelled in the happiness of domestic 
life. He now had a bright young son, whom he 
had named Walter, and who was rapidly growing 
into manhood. With this lad he roamed the parks 
and forests, relating his adventures, and teaching 
the boy those lessons of worldly wisdom, which he 
himself had learned from a stormy and checkered 
experience. 

Queen Elizabeth survived her old lover, Essex, 
just two years. His death filled her with grief, 
and remorse preyed upon her for signing his death- 
warrant. From that unhappy day her mind and 
body began to fail. She ceased to like the show 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. l8l 

and splendor of former days, and grew more and 
more petulant and morose. To drive away her 
dismal thoughts, she still kept up her old custom 
of going to the hunt : and so haughty was her 
spirit, that even when ill she would refuse to go to 
bed, or to receive the ministrations of her doctors. 

At last she grew too feeble to sit up, or walk 
about the room. She lay all day on some cushions 
on the floor of her bed-room, fully attired, and still 
insisted on performing the business of the state. 
One day, however, it was remarked with alarm 
that her tongue refused to serve her, and that she 
could not move her limbs. She lay for some time 
in this state ; and then, with a soft sigh, breathed 
her last. 

With all her faults and weaknesses, Elizabeth 
was in many respects a great and wise sovereign. 
She ruled, in the earlier years of her reign, with 
an iron will, and a clear, strong intellect. She so 
increased the power of England that she left it 
far greater than she had found it. She had worn 
the crown for half a century, and it passed with a 
brighter lustre than it had when she received it, to 
her successor. 



I S2 RALEGH : 




CHAPTER XII. 

RALEGH CHARGED WITH TREASON. 

HE new sovereign of England was the 
Scottish King James, the son of Mary 
Queen of Scots. He was a second 
cousin of the dead Elizabeth, and was the first 
monarch of the house of Stuart. About thirty- 
seven years of age when he succeeded to the Eng- 
lish throne, and thus united both the crowns of 
the British isle, James was a well-read man, fond 
of learning, shrewd, and ambitious. He was also 
cowardly and timid and narrow-minded. In mor- 
als his life was unstained. His favorite pastime 
was the peculiarly British sport of hunting. In 
personal appearance, James was very plain. His 
movements were extremely awkward ; his walk 
was ungainly, and his voice thick and husky. 
When he first arrived in England, he greatly 
amused the court by his broad Scotch brogue. 
King James had lofty notions of the royal 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 83 

powers, and was always jealous of his Parliament. 
On the other hand, he rarely used his authority 
like a tyrant. He was always more prone to 
mercy than to severity. A striking instance of 
this will be seen as this story progresses. 

When the courtiers learned that the new king 
was on his way from Edinburgh to London, they 
hastened, with brilliant retinues, to meet and greet 
their new master on his way. As he advanced 
southward, James met everywhere with a hospita- 
ble welcome, which surprised and delighted him * 
for he had been very doubtful how the English 
would receive him. He knew that there were 
many Englishnien who preferred other claimants 
to the throne to himself, and that there was much 
dissatisfaction that he, a foreigner and a stranger, 
should assume the sceptre of Elizabeth. 

His fears, however, were soon dispelled. He 
was entertained each night at some lordly castle 
or capacious manor-house, and flattered and feasted 
to his heart's content. Soon the most distinguished 
statesmen and courtiers, with long trains of liv- 
eried attendants, began to flock about him. CeciL, 
Elizabeth's chief councillor. Lord Nottingham, the 
admiral, Popham, the chief justice, and man/ 



1 84 RALEGH : 

Others, iourneyed far to assure the new monarch 
of their allegiance and loyal devotion. 

Ralegh was still captain of the Royal Guard. 
In this capacity, it was his duty to go and meet the 
king. He accordingly set out with his retinue ; 
and on reaching Burghley, he encountered the 
royal party coming southward. Ralegh lost no 
time in making his obeisances, with the rest, to 
James. As soon, however, as he entered the royal 
presence, he was surprised and chagrined to find 
that the king heard his name with a frown. James 
greeted him haughtily, and said, making a joke 
upon his name, — 

" By my soul, man, I have heard but rawly of 
thee." 

Ralegh did not remain long in the royal com- 
pany. The king continued to treat him with 
coldness and disdain, and he saw that he could 
gain nothing by staying. He soon found out the 
cause of this singular treatment. Years before, 
his enemy, the Earl of Essex, in writing to James, 
had taken care to fill his mind with the most 
intense prejudices against Ralegh ; another enemy, 
Lord Henry Howard, had lately still further biased 
James's i^nd against him. The king had never 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 85 

forgotten Essex's bitter accusations. It was not 
long before Ralegh received yet more marked evi- 
dences of the new king s dislike. One of the first 
of James's acts was to deprive him of the cap- 
taincy of the Guard, and to give the office to a 
Scottish favorite. Then Ralegh was removed from 
his office of Governor of Jersey. Then his fine 
house in London, Durham House, was taken from 
him and presented to a bishop. 

This was, however, but the beginning of Ra- 
legh's misfortunes and miseries at the hands of 
King James and his government. Not many 
weeks elapsed before he found himself not only 
stripped of all his posts, and of a large portion of 
his property, but actually put in peril of his life. 

It appears that, some time before the death of 
Elizabeth, various plots had been organized in op- 
position to James's accession, and in favor of other 
claimants to the throne. Among these claimants, 
the most conspicuous was the fair Arabella Stuart, 
whom, as we have seen, Ralegh had met and ad- 
mired for her girlish beauty and brightness years 
before at Lord Burleigh's house. Arabella was a 
great-granddaughter of Margaret Tudor, a sister 
of Henry VI 1 1., just as James was her great 



I 86 RALEGH: 

grandson. Besides, Arabella was the wife of 
Wiliam Seymour, who was the great grandson of 
Mary Tudor, another sister of Henry VIII. Many 
of the English desired Arabella to succeed Eliza- 
beth, because she was a native English woman, 
whereas James, as a Scotchman, was regarded as a 
foreigner. 

Even after James peacefully ascended the throne, 
plots were being conceived against his rule and his 
person. One of these plots was started by Wat- 
son, a Catholic priest, who was enraged because 
James had not made certain concessions to the 
Catholics. It was the purpose of Watson and his 
confederates to seize James and imprison him, and 
force him to make them pledges that he would 
give the Catholics greater liberties. In this con- 
spiracy were some of the most eminent men in 
England, not only Catholics, but Protestants also. 
The chief conspirators, besides Watson, were 
George Brooke, a brother of Lord Cobham, Sir 
Griffin Markham, and a gallant and generous- 
hearted nobleman of ancient lineage. Lord Grey 
de Wilton. 

The conspiracy was discovered before it could 
ripen into action. The confederates in vain fled 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 87 

from the capital. They were taken, one after an- 
other, and thrown into the Tower of London. On 
their being brought to trial, which was very soon 
after their arrest, their examination brought to 
light still another and yet more formidable plot. 
This was no less than to dethrone King James, 
and to place Arabella Stuart on the throne in his 
stead. 

The chief of this last plot was found to be Lord 
Cobham, the brother of George Brooke, one of the 
fellow-conspirators of Watson. Cobham was a 
weak and vacillating man, of uncertain purpose 
and duplicity of mind. In order to bring his plot 
to a successful issue, he had entered into some 
negotiations with Spain, from whose king he hoped 
to procure a large sum of money to aid his pur- 
pose. Cobham had been for some time an inti- 
mate friend of Ralegh, and it was this fact which 
involved Ralegh in the misfortunes which were 
speedily to ensue upon the discovery of Cobham's 
plot. 

One midsummer morning, Ralegh, attired in his 
resplendent court dress, was leisurely pacing up 
and down the broad terrace of Windsor Castle. 
Although he was still disliked and neglected by 



1 88 RALEGH : 

King James, he remained at the royal court, and 
formed one of the throng of cavaliers who sur- 
rounded the royal person. He was now waiting 
for the king to emerge from the Castle. James 
was going on a hunt in Windsor Forest, and 
Ralegh intended to accompany him. As he walked 
up and down the terrace, his eyes wandered over 
the beautiful, luxuriant landscape before him. 
The hills, forests, and avenues were clothed in 
their greenest midsummer glory. Below, the 
Thames flowed in graceful windings beneath the 
overhanging trees. The towers of Eton peeped 
above the groves beyond. The great forest on the 
other side of the Castle stretched out before him 
as far as glance could reach. The cavalier's heart 
must have beat high as he looked upon a scene 
which his love of nature doubtless revelled in. 
He had no thought of any sudden misfortune. 
He had been ill-treated, but the future, at least, 
seemed cloudless and serene before him. 

As he walked in smiling reverie. Sir Robert 
Cecil, who was James's chief adviser, as he had 
been Elizabeth's, came upon the terrace, and ad- 
vanced to Ralegh with knitted brow. 

" Sir Walter," said he, in a stern voice, " you are 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 1 89 

bidden not to go to the royal hunt to-day. You 
are commanded to repair to the lords of the king's 
councils. They have some serious questions to 
ask you." 

Ralegh, for a moment, was speechless with 
amazement. He demanded of Cecil what the lords 
of the council desired of him. 

" The plot of Lord Cobham against the king is 
discovered," returned Cecil, "and you are sus- 
pected of being concerned in it." 

With beating heart Ralegh hastened to present 
himself before the council. He was received with 
lowering looks and cold, repelling manners. He 
protested with all the earnestness he could com- 
mand that he was wholly ignorant of any plot to 
dethrone the king. He was then disdainfully dis- 
missed. 

A day or two afterwards, he wrote to the council 
that he had seen Cobham go to the house of the 
Spanish ambassador, and that he suspected Cob- 
ham of secret dealings with that personage. 
Cobham, who had been thrown into the Tower, 
soon heard of what Ralegh had said. Overcome 
with anger against his old friend, he at once de- 
clared that Ralegh had instigated him to plot 



190 RALEGH : 

against the king. Upon this Ralegh was arrested 
on a charge of high treason, and was torn from his 
family and imprisoned in the Tower. 

He saw that he was in a situation of great peril. 
The king had always disliked him, and would 
probably show him no mercy. His old friend 
Cecil was too careful of his own fortunes to defend 
him. Cobham had solemnly sworn that Ralegh 
was the chief conspirator. The judges who would 
try him were devoted to the king's interests. Ra- 
legh saw before him at last certain poverty and 
disgrace. It might be that he was standing in the 
face of death. 

And now he was each day brought before com- 
missioners, who severely questioned and cross- 
questioned him as to the plot. Cobham again and 
again repeated his charges. At last poor Ralegh 
became desperate. He felt that the only way 
in which he could preserve his wife and children, 
whom he most tenderly loved, from beggary and 
dishonor, was to destroy himself. 

Accordingly one day as he sat in his dark, 
gloomy cell, in a sudden fit of frenzy he seized his 
dagger, and plunged it into his breast. Fortu- 
nately, as he lay bleeding and fainting on his 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I9I 

couch, a warden of the Tower entered the cell. 
Physicians were soon called ; the wound was ban- 
daged up ; Ralegh was strictly watched ; and thus 
a life so precious to England was with difficulty 
saved ; but saved, alas ! for a still sadder end than 
that which he had designed. 

Reflection caused Ralegh to repent bitterly this 
attempt upon his life. He now turned his thoughts 
to meeting and refuting the charge which had been 
brought against him ; for he was certain to be tried 
for treason. The only evidence which could secure 
his condemnation was the assertion of Lord Cob- 
ham. It so happened that Cobham was confined 
in a cell near Ralegh's in the Tower. 

It seemed to Ralegh that, as Cobham was an 
irresolute man, and had had a great affection for 
him in former days, he might be induced to retract 
his false accusation. But how could he find means 
to communicate with Cobham > Although their 
cells were close together, the two prisoners were 
never allowed to meet and speak to each other. 
They were taken out for their daily walks at differ- 
ent times, and, aside from these daily walks, they 
were strictly guarded in their cells. 

Ralegh had a faithful attendant in the person of 



192 RALEGH : 

a youth named Coterell. He knew that he could 
rely on Coterell's fidelity and shrewdness. He 
therefore one day formed a scheme for communi- 
cating with Cobham, with Coterell's aid. Taking 
an apple which had been served to him for dinner, 
he tied a small note to it. This he gave to Cot- 
erell, with instructions to throw it into the window 
of Cobham's cell when the wardens were out of 
the way. Coterell performed his task so adroitly 
that Cobham received the note without detection. 
The note implored Cobham to retract his charge 
that Ralegh was concerned in the plot to place 
Arabella Stuart on the throne. 

Cobham, with a sudden generous impulse, at 
once wrote a reply, which he thrust under the door 
of the cell. Coterell, who had been impatiently 
awaiting Cobham's response, hurriedly grasped the 
note, and hastened to Ralegh. The prisoner 
opened it with trembling fingers, and read as 
follows : — 

" I never had any conference with you in any 
treason ; nor was I ever moved by you to the 
things I heretofore accused you of. And, for any- 
thing I know, you are as innocent and as clear 
from any treason against the king as is any subject 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I93 

living. God so deal with me, and have mercy on 
my soul, as this is true." 

Ralegh read this confession with a thrill of joy. 
He felt sure that Cobham's letter would restore 
him to family, liberty, and honor. It took away all 
the evidence against him. What was his chagrin 
when, a few days after, he learned that Cobham 
had once more charged him with treason, and 
boldly repudiated the note of confession he had 
written to him ! It now only remained for Ralegh 
to put faith in his own ability to repel the charge 
so boldly repeated, and to rely upon his own inno- 
cence to defend him in the face of his accusers. 
He knew that the king was hostile towards him, 
and that his many enemies would strain every 
nerve to secure his condemnation. But he sus- 
tained from this time, in the face of his bitter mis- 
fortunes, a hopeful, resolute, and dauntless spirit. 

The time for Ralegh's trial was fixed for late in 
the autumn. Meanwhile, through the long sum- 
mer, he remained solitary in his dark little cell in 
the Tower. It was only at rare intervals that he 
was permitted to clasp to his breast his devoted 
and loving wife and his pretty children. But he had 
the great consolation which, throughout his life, he 



194 RALEGH : 

had derived from books, and from writing his nar- 
ratives and essays ; and thus the days sped swiftly, 
until the time came when he was to be brought 
before his judges. 

It happened that the plague had spread through 
London, and was now raging everywhere through 
the city. The court, and all the well-to-do people, 
had fled at its approach, and the city was well 
nigh deserted. The scene of Ralegh's trial was 
therefore transferred to the ancient town of Win- 
chester, in south-western England. The coming 
of this event was looked forward to with much 
curiosity and excitement, not alone at the royal 
court, but among the people throughout England ; 
for Ralegh was a very famous man, and the entire 
country was interested in his fate. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I95 



CHAPTER XIII. 

TRIED FOR HIS LIFE. 



N a gloomy morning in November, 1603, 
the spires and towers of the old city of 
Winchester were shrouded in fog and 
mist. But, dismal as was the weather, the quaint, 
crooked streets were early filled with an unwonted 
crowd. It was evident that something very unusual 
was about to take place ; for the greater part of 
the multitudes which thronged the thoroughfares 
consisted of strangers to the town. Cavalcades of 
richly dressed gentlemen and attendants in livery, 
troops of horse and foot, groups of lawyers in 
their crimson costumes, and now and then the 
retinue of a solemn-looking judge, passed and 
repassed before the curious eyes of the inhabitants, 
who deserted house and shop to witness the un- 
familiar scenes which presented themselves in their 
ordinarily tranquil streets. 

At one end of the town rose the ancient towers 



196 RALEGH : 

of a lofty castle ; and it was in the direction of this 
castle that the tide of the new-comers steadily 
flowed. Within its court-yard troops of soldiers 
were drawn up, while about the doors stood sher- 
iffs, marshals, and other officials of the law. Ever 
and anon the soldiers saluted a party as it entered 
the castle portals, — a party consisting of one of 
the judges in his long, flowing gown, and the offi- 
cers whose duty it was to escort him. 

In the great hall of the castle, a high bench, 
above which hung a rich canopy surmounted by 
the royal arms of England, had been erected ; and 
below this were other benches, ranged in rows, 
some parallel, and others at right angles with each 
other. The hall, in short, had been converted into 
a court of justice. The various actors of the drama 
which was about to ensue were already beginning 
to take their appointed places. The lawyers had 
come in, and were busy with their books and 
papers. The tipstaffs were ushering the specta- 
tors, many of whom were eminent statesmen and 
nobles of high rank, to the benches set apart for 
them ; while the clerks were hurridly preparing to 
take notes of the proceedings. 

Presently a sheriff commanded quiet, and an- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. IQ/ 

nounced that the judges were about to make 
their entrance. Preceded by a procession of officials 
bearing long rods, the grave men who were to pre- 
side filed in slowly, with solemn countenances, 
their persons enveloped in long gowns. These 
judges were all men of note. Among them might 
be seen the crooked figure and sallow, serious face 
of Sir Robert Cecil, the king's chief adviser ; the 
tall form and bronzed features of Thomas Howard, 
Earl of Suffolk ; the Earl of Devonshire ; the two 
chief justices, Popham and Anderson ; and the 
courtly Sir John Stanhope. Never had the halls 
of Wolvesey Castle — which was the name of the 
edifice — beheld so brilliant a galaxy of famous 
and powerful personages. 

Just below the judges' bench, a man of sharp, 
hard features, with keen eyes, and a firm, thin 
mouth, promptly took his place. This was Sir 
Edward Coke, the attorney-general, whose duty it 
was to conduct the prosecution, and who had 
grimly resolved that he would strain every nerve 
to win the decision of the court. Just opposite 
Coke sat the twelve men who were, as the jury, to 
decide on the prisoner's guilt or innocence. 

The judges now ordered the sheriffs to bring in 



1^8 RALEGH : 

the prisoner. There was a period of deathlike 
stillness. All eyes were strained towards the door 
at which the prisoner would enter. Then there 
was a stir outside, and the sound of heavy foot- 
steps. The door was flung wide open, and Sir 
Walter Ralegh, led by two officers, appeared ad- 
vancing through the crowded hall. His handsome 
face was pale, and his expression mournful ; but he 
held his head proudly in the air, and his step was 
firm and resolute, as he entered the box which had 
been placed for him. He was charged with high 
treason against the king, and the moment of his 
trial for that crime had at last arrived. All eyes 
turned upon him as, after a low bow to the bench 
of judges, he took his seat ; he answered the look 
by glancing deliberately around with a calm and 
confident visage. Then the spectators preserved 
perfect silence, as the voice of one of the sergeants 
was heard reading, in clear, rapid tones, the indict- 
ment which contained the charges against the 
prisoner. No sooner had he finished, than one of 
the clerks, looking at Ralegh, said, — 

"What say you. Sir Walter Ralegh, are you guilty 
or not guilty } " 

" Not guilty," replied Ralegh, in a prompt, loud 
voice. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. I99 

"Do you desire to challenge any of the jury ?" 

" I know none of them," said Ralegh, looking at 
the jury-box, "but think them all honest and 
Christian men. I know my own innocence, and 
therefore will challenge none." 

It was now time for Sir Edward Coke, the attor 
ney-general, to make his address against the pris 
oner ; and as he began' in harsh, bitter tones U\ 
inveigh against what he declared to be Ralegh'j^ 
treasonable acts, the crowded hall hung breath- 
lessly upon his lips. So violent were his attack! 
that Ralegh again and again sprang to his feet, an(\ 
hurled back his insults with flushed face and angry 
tones ; and the scene became more and more ex. 
citing as the wrath of the two men waxed tc 
greater intensity. The attorney-general did not. 
hesitate to overwhelm the prisoner with odious 
epithets, each of which stung Ralegh into a hotl) 
indignant retort. 

" You are the most notorious traitor," said Coke, 
shaking his finger violently, ''that ever came to 
the bar." 

" Your words cannot condemn me," was the 
reply ; " my innocence is my defence." 

" Nay," returned Coke, " I will prove all. Thou 



200 RALEGH : 

art a monster ; thou hast an English face, but a 
Spanish heart. All Cobham did was at thy insti- 
gation, thou viper. I will prove thee the rankest 
traitor in all England." 

" No, no, master attorney," said Ralegh, " I am 
no traitor. Whether I live or die, I shall stand as 
true a subject as ever the king hath." 

Finally Ralegh insisted on replying to some of 
Coke's charges. Rising in his seat, and sweeping 
the intently listening throng with a rapid glance, 
he launched forth into a speech so earnest and 
eloquent that every heart was thrilled by it. He 
showed that he did not know of Cobham's plot, 
and had no share in it ; and explained why Cobham 
had made his false accusations against him. And 
he went on thus : 

" It is very strange that I should be thought to 
plot with Lord Cobham, knowing him to be a man 
that hath neither love nor following. I was not so 
bare of sense but I saw that, if ever this state was 
strong, it was now that we have the kingdom of 
Scotland united, whence we were wont to fear all 
our troubles ; Ireland quieted, where our forces 
were wont to be divided ; and instead of a lady 
whom time had surprised, we had now an active 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 201 

king, who would be present at his own business. 
For me, at this time, to make myself a Robin 
Hood, a Watt Tyler, or a Jack Cade, I was not so 
mad ! I knew the King of Spain well ; his weak- 
ness, his poorness, his humbleness, at this time. I 
knew that six times we had repulsed his forces ; 
thrice at sea, — once upon our coast, and twice upon 
his own. Thrice had I served against him myself 
at sea, wherein, for my country's sake, I had ex- 
pended, of my own property, forty thousand pounds. 
I knew that where, beforetime, he was wont to 
have forty great sail, at least, in his ports, now he 
hath not past six or seven. I knew that of twenty- 
five millions which he had from the Indies, he had 
scarcely any left. Nay, I knew his poorness to be 
such at this time, that the Jesuits, his imps, begged 
at his church doors. And to show that I am not 
Spanish, as you term me, at this time I had written 
a treatise to the king on the state of Spain, and 
reasons against making peace." 

As Ralegh, growing more and more earnest, 
went on, murmurs of approval and admiration 
buzzed through the hall. His erect figure, his 
handsome face, now flushed with animation, his 
flashing bright eye, his musical voice trembling 



202 RALEGH : 

with emotion, heightened the powerful effect pro 
duced by his glowing words. After showing how 
absurd the charge against him was, Ralegh turned 
suddenly to the bench of judges, and said : — 

" My lords, I claim to have my accuser brought 
here, to speak face to face. The law saith that no 
man shall be condemned of treason, unless he be 
accused by two lawful accusers. If you condemn 
me by bare inferences, without an oath, without 
witnesses, you try me by Spanish inquisition. If 
my accuser were dead, or abroad, it were some- 
thing ; but he liveth, and is in this very house. 
Consider, it is no rare case for a man to be falsel) 
accused, aye, and falsely condemned, too. I be- 
seech you, then, my lords, let Cobham be sent for ; 
let him be charged, upon his soul, upon his alle- 
giance to the king ; and if he will then maintain 
his accusation to my face, I will confess myself 
guilty." 

Although Cobham was at that very moment 
guarded in one of the rooms of the castle, Ralegh's 
demand that he should come into court and be 
confronted with him, was refused by the judges. 
It became more and more evident, as the trial went 
on. that the judges were against the prisoner, and 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 20$ 

were as eager that he should be condemned as was 
Sir Edward Coke himself. 

Hour after hour the trial went on. The duel of 
words between Ralegh and Coke ever and anon 
rose to a fierce conflict. Nor did the judges them- 
selves hesitate to launch reproaches at the pris- 
oner. He defended himself against all these 
assaults, solitary and alone ; and at every opportu- 
nity vehemently declared his innocence of the crime 
which they were trying to fasten upon him. 

At last the speeches and witnesses came to an 
end. Ralegh calmly took his seat, and awaited the 
issue. The audience sat breathlessly in suspense. 
Then the jury were ordered to retire and consider 
their verdict. As the twelve men upon whom 
Ralegh's fate depended filed out of their box and 
across the hall, every eye was anxiously fixed upon 
them. The minutes seemed hours while they were 
out. A buzz of whispered conversation was heard 
through the hall. The judges put their heads to- 
gether, and talked in subdued tones. The officers 
moved on tiptoe through the room. Ralegh's face 
was tranquil, and slightly pale ; its expression was 
firm and resolute. In about a quarter of an hour, 
the steps of the jury were heard returning to the 



204 RALEGH : 

hall. Instantly breathless silence reigned again, in 
the midst of which the jury resumed their places, 
standing, in the box. 

In a solemn voice the clerk of the court addressed 
them : — 

" How say you, gentlemen, is the prisoner guilty 
or not guilty of high treason against our sovereign 
lord, the king ? " 

The foreman, in a low, distinct voice replied, — 

" Guilty." 

The word sent a shudder through the listen- 
ing multitude. But no man had time to exchange 
his thoughts with his neighbor; for no sooner 
had the verdict been rendered, than Sir John Pop- 
ham, Chief Justice of England, prepared to deliver 
the sentence of the court. Ralegh stood, pale and 
erect, in his box. Asked if he had anything to 
say, he replied, in firm tones, " My lords, the jury 
hath found me guilty. They must do as they are 
directed. I can say nothing why judgment should 
not proceed. You see whereof Cobhani hath ac- 
cused me ; you remember his declaration that 
I was never guilty. I desire that the king 
should know the wrong I have suffered since I 
came hither." 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 205 

The Chief Justice then ordered Ralegh to remain 
standing, and to receive the sentence of the law. 
In delivering judgment, Popham was quite as 
violent as Coke had been. He insulted the pris- 
oner with many outrageous epithets, and in one 
part of his address was so abusive that Coke him- 
self hung his head with shame, and the spectators 
boldly hissed. At the end, in a tone of voice that 
betrayed his satisfaction, Popham sentenced Ralegh 
to death. 

All through the judge's tirade Ralegh stood with 
silent dignity. His condemnation to death did not 
excite a quiver or a tremor. He quietly resumed 
his seat until the marshal of the court came and 
conducted him out of the hall. But if Ralegh 
himself remained serene under the awful sentence, 
the spectators were one and all intensely excited 
by it. Ralegh's bearing throughout the trial had 
won the hearts of all who had witnessed it. The 
audience had come, entertaining hostile feelings 
towards him, and indulging the hope that he would 
be condemned. They departed full of admiration 
and sympathy for him, bewailing his doom, and 
uttering loud and bitter denunciations against the 
judges. One of these spectators afterwards said. 



206 RALEGH : 

" When I saw Sir Walter Ralegh first, I was so led 
with the common hatred, that I would have gone a 
hundred miles to see him hanged. But ere we 
departed, I would have gone a thousand to save his 
life." 

The gross injustice and unfairness of the trial 
were condemned on every hand, and while many- 
had before believed Ralegh guilty of treason, the 
opinion now generally prevailed that Cobham 
had falsely accused him, and that he was entirely 
innocent. History has confirmed this judgment. 
It was not true that Ralegh conspired to depose 
King James, and to place Arabella Stuart on the 
throne ; nor was it true that he, who had been all 
his life an inveterate foe of Spain, had resolved 
to betray England in order to favor the interests 
of the Spanish king. But it is probable that he 
knew something about Cobham's plot ; that he may 
for a moment have weakly listened to Cobham's 
appeal to join him ; and that he failed to expose, at 
the right time, a conspiracy aimed at the sovereign 
to whom he professed to be loyal. 

The other prisoners — the priest Watson, George 
Brooke, Sir Philip Markham, Lord Cobham, and 
Lord Grey de Wilton — were duly tried and found 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 20/ 

guilty ; and they were all condemned to suffer 
the same fate as Ralegh. Early in December 
Watson was executed at Winchester, expressing on 
the scaffold deep remorse for his crime. George 
Brooke met his doom a few days after, with humility 
and resignation. As for Markham, Cobham, Grey, 
and Ralegh, they were imprisoned in the Castle, 
preparatory to being beheaded a few days later. 
Lady Ralegh, overwhelmed with grief at her hus- 
band's cruel sentence, and in the desperate hope of 
saving his life, threw herself with sobs and tears at 
Cecil's feet, and implored him in touching accents 
to save his old friend's life. Ralegh himself wrote 
piteously to the king, declaring his innocence, and 
saying that " a greater gift none can give, none 
receive, than life." 

But these prayers seemed to make no impression 
either on the king or on Cecil, his minister. The 
king sent two clergymen to the prisoners, bidding 
them to cherish no hope of being pardoned. He 
told those who pleaded with him for mercy that his 
mind was made up that the prisoners should suffer 
death. Then a message w^as sent to Cobham, 
Markham and Grey, telling them to prepare to 
meet their doom on the morning of Friday, Decern- 



208 RALEGH : 

ber loth. Ralegh's life was spared for three days 
longer. He was to die on the morning of Monday, 
the 13th. 

The day of the execution of the three conspirators 
came all too speedily. On the morning of the loih 
a large crowd gathered in the courtyard of the 
Castle, where the scaffold had been set up. Down 
to the last moment, the three condemned men 
had hoped against hope that the king might 
relent and spare them. But as the morning sun 
of the final day shone in on their cells, and 
no tidings of reprieve arrived, they yielded to 
despair. 

Markham was the first to be led forth to the 
scaffold. There stood the executioner, grim and 
mysterious in his black mask. Sir Benjamin 
Tichborne, the high sheriff, slowly led Markham up 
the steps. The prisoner's expression was pale and 
sorrowful. A friend, standing by, offered him a 
handkerchief to cover his face. " No," replied 
Markham, shaking his head, " I can look upon 
death without blushing." He knelt in prayer, and 
then embraced those of his old comrades who stood 
in a sad group around him. All this time Ralegh, 
the window of whose cell overlooked the courtyard. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 2O9 

watched the tragic scene with eager eyes and 
beating heart. 

Just as Markham was approaching the execu- 
tioner, who stood all ready to do his bloody work, 
a sudden movement in the crowd attracted the 
high sheriff's attention. A man was frantically 
pushing his way toward the scaffold. He breath- 
lessly ascended the steps, and whispered to Sir 
Benjamin Tichborne. The latter then turned to 
Markham, and said that the execution would be 
delayed a little while. The spectators looked on 
this mysterious scene with puzzled faces. The 
prisoner was led down from the scaffold, and locked 
up in the great hall of the Castle. What could all 
this mean ? 

It was not long before the sheriff again made his 
appearance, this time conducting Lord Grey to the 
scaffold. This brave young noble wore a cheerful, 
smiling countenance. He was ignorant of what 
had just taken place, and thought that he was about 
to die ; but he bore himself like a true cavalier. 
After a long prayer, he walked with erect form and 
brisk step to the side of the executioner. But 
instead of giving the executioner the signal to pro- 
ceed, the sheriff at this last moment turned to Lord 



2IO RALEGH : 

Grey, and told him also that his execution would 
not take place until after that of Cobham ; and he 
thereupon led Grey, as he had done Markham, into 
the Castle hall. The mystery was growing deeper 
and more perplexing every moment. The crowd 
was puzzled more than ever. With increasing 
amazement they saw the sheriff reappear, bringing 
with him Lord Cobham, the last of the three pris- 
oners whose execution had been set for that day. 

Cobham advanced boldly, and ascended the 
scaffold with resolute tread. He went through the 
same preparations as Markham and Grey before 
him. When he rose from praying, Sir Benjamin 
Tichborne walked up to him, and said, — 

" There yet remains something to be done. 
You are now to be confronted with the other pris- 
oners." 

Leaving Cobham standing and staring with won- 
der on the scaffold, the high sheriff repaired to the 
hall, and presently returned, leading Markham and 
Grey. He stationed them at Cobham's side, and 
then, standing before them, addressed all three 
with these questions, — 

" Are not your offences heinous ? Have you 
not been justly tried, and lawfully condemned ? Is 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 211 

not each of you subject to due execution, now to 
be performed ? " 

One after another, the prisoners bowed their 
heads to each question, in token of assent. 

" Then," said Tichborne, in a loud voice, " behold 
the mercy of your sovereign, who of himself hath sent 
hither a countermand, and hath given you your lives." 

A thrill of excitement and delight passed 
through the crowd of spectators. The faces of the 
prisoners were lit up with a sudden joy. The 
people burst into applause, and the three reprieved 
men embraced each other. Ralegh, looking from 
his grated window, saw what had happened, and 
heaved a deep sigh of relief 

" If ever I prove a traitor," exclaimed Cobham, 
" I will not so much as beg my life." 

" Since the king hath given me my life," cried 
Grey, "without my begging, I will deserve Ufe." 

Ralegh was soon gladdened by the welcome 
news that he, too, was to be spared. But neither 
one of the prisoners was awarded his liberty. 
They had escaped death, but were still to remain 
in confinement. In a few days they were con- 
ducted to London, and found themselves the occu- 
pants of cells in the Tower. 



212 RALEGH: 




CHAPTER XIV. 

TWELVE YEARS IN THE TOWER. 

T was with a weary sigh that Ralegh once 
more entered the dismal portals of the 
Tower of London. He knew well what 
a cheerless abode it was, for he had already been 
imprisoned there for several months by the an- 
gry caprice of Queen Elizabeth. Nevertheless he 
rejoiced that King James had so far relented as to 
spare his life, and looked forward with hope to a 
turn of events which would also, ere very long, 
restore to him his liberty. He little knew that 
years would elapse before he would walk the earth 
a free man again. 

He soon found himself placed in a cell in the 
building called the ''Bloody Tower," — the same 
grim edifice where the young princes had been 
murdered centuries before. This Bloody Tower 
overlooked the river Thames on one side, and on 
the other was bounded by a small but pretty and 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 21 3 

well-kept garden, which was occupied by the lieu- 
tenant of the prison. Above this garden stretched 
a broad, lofty wall, which served as a sentinel's 
beat, and was also now and then used by the pris- 
oners for walking in the open air. 

Ralegh therefore found his quarters in the Tower 
in some respects far from unpleasant. It happened 
that the lieutenant at that time was an old friend 
of his, named Sir George Harvey, who was dis- 
posed to treat him with every kindness and indul- 
gence. Harvey not only often invited Ralegh to 
dine with him, but allowed him to receive frequent 
visits from his many friends, who still clung to 
him in spite of his misfortunes. At first, Ralegh's 
wife and young son were allowed to live with him 
in his quarters, and he was permitted to have the 
service of three of his family servants. With such 
privileges, the imprisoned cavalier was able to pass 
his time in something like comfort and ease. 

Many of the favors which relieved the tedium 
of his imprisonment he doubtless owed to Sir 
Robert Cecil, then the all-powerful adviser of the 
king ; who, although he had been one of Ralegh's 
judges, was as kindly disposed to him as he thought 
it for his own interest to be. Soon after his arrival 



214 RALEGH: 

at the Tower, Ralegh wrote to Cecil, "Good my 
lord, remember your poor and ancient friend, that 
I perish not here, where health wears away, and 
whose short times run fast on in misery only. 
Those who plotted to surprise and assail the per- 
son of the king are at liberty. Do not forget me, 
or doubt me." This pathetic letter seems to have 
created a deep impression upon Cecil's heart. 

But though Cecil could soften the bitterness of 
imprisonment, he could not procure Ralegh's re- 
lease ; and Ralegh soon perceived that he was des- 
tined to spend a long period in the Tower. Before 
many weeks had passed away, a new danger threat- 
ened the unhappy prisoner and his family. The 
terrible plague, which had been raging in London, 
made its appearance among the Tower prisoners. 
It soon crept to the very room next to that occu- 
pied by the Raleghs. They were in serious peril 
of perishing by this dreadful distemper. With 
heavy heart, Ralegh was forced to part, for a while, 
from his wife and child, who took lodgings in a 
street not far from the Tower, so as to at least be 
near him. Soon after this. Lady Ralegh gave 
birth to their second son, who was named Carew. 

Scarcely had the danger from the plague disap- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 21$ 

peared when, one morning, Ralegh's jailor abruptly 
informed him that he was to be removed at once 
from the Tower to the yet more dismal prison of 
the Fleet. At first Ralegh could not understand 
the reason of this strange and sudden proceeding. 
But it soon transpired that King James was about 
to come to the Tower with his court, to witness a 
bull-fight. Now it was the custom, when the sov- 
ereign held one of these festivities at the Tower, 
that he should mark the occasion by releasing all 
the prisoners within its walls. This custom King 
James proposed to follow ; and so, in order that 
Ralegh might not share the clemency granted 
to his fellow-prisoners, he was removed for the 
while to the Fleet. Cobham and Grey were, for 
the same reason, sent to the Fleet with him. 

The king accordingly held the bull-fight without 
being disturbed by the presence of these prisoners. 
*'On Monday, March 26th," it is related, "the 
king, queen, and prince, together with the council 
and the whole court, went down the river to the 
Tower, in long and gay procession. The crowd 
of Londoners who had flocked to see the sight 
was so great that the king and his courtiers could 
only with difficulty ascend the stairs. Bulls and 



2l6 RALEGH I 

Other animals were baited, and many minor amuse- 
ments added their attractions to the scene. The 
king then caused all the prisons of the Tower to 
be opened, and all the prisoners then within them 
to be released." 

When these festivities had come to an end, 
Ralegh was brought back again to his old quarters 
in the Bloody Tower. It was a welcome change, 
for the miserable cells of the Fleet had made him 
ill. Sir George Harvey, the lieutenant, continued 
to treat his prisoner with the most thoughtful 
kindness. He offered Ralegh the use of his 
pleasant Httle garden, — an offer which filled Ra- 
legh with gratitude, and which he promptly ac- 
cepted. His happiest hours were spent, for a long 
time, in this garden. He found, in one corner 
of it, a hen-house. This he speedily converted into 
a still. Then he caused a laboratory and a furnace 
to be built ; and having thus provided himself with 
the proper conveniences, he passed a great deal of 
his time making experiments in chemistry. 

Ralegh had always, through his stirring career, 
kept up with ardor the studies which he loved ; 
and now, in his imprisonment, instead of moaning 
and bewailing his loss of liberty, he set cheerily to 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 21*] 

work on intellectual tasks. He had been an en- 
thusiastic student of chemistry ; and now, every 
morning, as soon as he had finished his batji and 
his breakfast, he hurried down to his little labora- 
tory, and was soon deeply absorbed in assaying 
metaUic ores, concocting elixirs for medicine, and 
amusing himself with experiments. 

The many rare and curious plants which were 
cultivated in the garden afforded Ralegh an oppor- 
tunity to pursue another science which had long 
interested him — that of botany. When he was 
tired of his laboratory, it was always a relief to set 
to analyzing the stems, leaves, and flowers. Or, if 
he was in pensive mood, he would lay aside these 
tasks, and pace up and down the garden, with 
bowed head and hands clasped behind him, and 
indulge in reveries of the eventful past, or perhaps 
drei?m of ambitions still to be fulfilled. He soon 
became known as a skilful chemist, and the ladies 
of the court began to apply to him for nostrums to 
cure their aches and ills. On one occasion the 
queen herself, having fallen dangerously ill, applied 
to him for medicine. He sent her a bottle of cor- 
dial, which she took ; and she always declared 
afterwards that she believed that Ralegh had thus 



2l8 RALEGH; 

saved her life. Another time, the Countess of 
Beaumont, wife of the French ambassador, went 
herself to the Tower, to beg of him a box of his 
balsam, of whose virtues she had heard high 
praises. 

Unfortunately for Ralegh, Sir George Harvey 
was after a while removed from his office as lieu- 
tenant of the Tower, and was succeeded by Sir 
William Waad. This man had been one of Ra- 
legh's judges on his trial, and unlike Harvey, 
was very unfriendly in his feelings towards him. 
Waad began to deprive him of some of the privi- 
leges which Harvey had amiably granted. Ralegh 
was a very celebrated man, and every day many 
people came to the Tower to see him. Crowds 
would sometimes gather on the hill, and gaze over 
the wall at him, as he walked in the little garden. 
All this aroused Waad's anger and jealousy ; he 
disliked to have one of his prisoners made more 
of than he himself was. So he wrote to Cecil, 
who had now become Earl of Salisbury : " Sir 
Walter Ralegh hath converted a little hen-house in 
the garden into a still, where he doth spend his 
time all the day in his distillations. I desire not 
to remove him, though I want, by that means, the 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 219 

garden. If a brick wall were built, it would be 
more safe and convenient." But Cecil did what he 
could to preserve to Ralegh such few privileges as 
he had, and refused to have the brick wall built. 

Besides the garden, Ralegh had the broad wall 
for a promenade ; and here he often paced up and 
down, in full view of the public. Thus the wall 
came to be known as " Ralegh's Walk ; " and so it 
is called to this day. Waad liked these prom- 
enades before the people as little as Ralegh's oc- 
cupancy of the garden. *' He doth show himself 
on the wall," wrote Waad, again, to Cecil, "to the 
view of the people who gaze upon him ; which made 
me bold in discretion and conveniency to restrain 
him again." Waad was also much annoyed by the 
frequent visits which Lady Ralegh made to her 
husband, coming thither in a coach ; and by the 
servants whom Ralegh had about him. So he 
ordered that after five o'clock in the afternoon the 
servants should all go and stay in their quarters for 
the night ; and that wives of prisoners should not 
lodge in the Tower, or come thither in coaches. 

Under the many restrictions and vexations which 
W^aad imposed upon him, Ralegh's health broke 
down, and he became, as was natural, very despon- 



220 RALEGH : 

dent. His cell in the Tower was damp and 
cheerless, and he was finally allowed to live, for a 
while, in the airy and pleasant little laboratory 
which he had caused to be erected in the garden. 

All this time, Ralegh's friends at court were 
ceaseless in their efforts to obtain his liberty. 
The obstinate king remained deaf to their earnest 
appeals ; but there was one person, very high in 
rank, who not only listened to them with friendly 
ear, but became as ardent as any of them in Ralegh's 
behalf. This was young Henry, Prince of Wales, 
King James' eldest son and heir. Prince Henry 
was then in the full beauty and vigor of youth. He 
was brave and bold, warm-hearted, impulsive, and 
generous. He was fond of adventure and enter- 
prise, and was wise and thoughtful beyond his years. 
In person, he was tall, handsome, and noble-looking. 
By his character and actions, he had won the love 
not only of the courtiers, but of the masses of the 
people. His accession to the throne was looked 
forward to with the brightest hopes. 

It was not long before Prince Henry learned to 
admire and esteem the famous prisoner in the 
Tower. Ralegh's adventurous and checkered career 
deeply interested him ; and his manners and tem- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 221 

perament won the Prince's warm affection. Henry 
left untried no effort to secure Ralegh's liberty ; 
and more than once scolded King James angrily 
for not setting him free. But the king was not to 
be persuaded. The prince then took pains to pay 
Ralegh frequent visits, both to show the world how 
warm his sympathies were with him, and to enjoy 
his attractive society. He would sit with Ralegh 
for hours, and ask him questions about ship-building 
and the art of navigation, and about Ralegh's expe- 
dition to South America. Whenever Henry was 
troubled about any matter, Ralegh was the first 
person to whom he repaired for comfort and 
counsel. When it was proposed that he should 
marry a princess of Savoy, he hurried to Ralegh 
for advice ; and when Ralegh opposed it, Henry 
promptly gave up the plan. 

Ralegh was very much pleased to have won the 
affection of this noble and charming young prince, 
and warmly reciprocated it. He loved the prince 
for his many fine qualities ; and he knew that, 
should Henry succeed to the throne, he himself 
would not only become free, but would at once 
assume a high place in the councils of the nation. 
He would pass from a prison cell to the very height 



222 RALEGH : 

of power. All these bright visions were doomed 
to a sad and sudden ending. In May, i6i2, Sir 
Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, died on a journey 
from Bath to London. This was a severe blow to 
Ralegh ; for, although Cecil had taken part in his 
trial, and had been one of the judges who con- 
demned him, he had in many ways since shown 
that his old friendship for Ralegh still survived. A 
greater misfortune soon succeeded this event ; for 
young Prince Henry, who was always very reckless 
of himself, and rashly exposed himself in all kinds 
of weather, was suddenly seized with a violent 
fever, and, to the grief of the entire nation, died on 
the 6th of November. With these two deaths, 
Ralegh's hopes of freedom once more vanished. 

And now yet other troubles sadly oppressed him. 
His fair and beautiful domain of Sherborne, where 
he had spent so many happy days, where his young 
son Walter had been born and reared, and where 
his faithful wife had awaited his coming from 
strange lands across the great deep, was taken from 
him by King James, and given to Robert Carr, the 
young Scotch adventurer who had now become the 
king s favorite. As long as Cecil lived Sherborne 
had been preserved to him ; but Carr s rapacity 




Ralegh ix Prisoj^. J-ii^ie 224. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 223 

overcame all obstacles. No more would Ralegh 
saunter through those cool groves, or sit on the old 
stone seat near the house and meditate new 
ambitions. No more would he rejoice in the 
growths of the gardens and orchards which he him- 
aclf had planted with loving care. No more would 
he wander in the spacious deer park, or gaze on 
^vhe lovely prospect which spread out before him in 
Hanover Wood. 

But Ralegh in prison had one resource of which 
the cruelty of kings and the greed of parasites 
could not easily deprive him. In the companion- 
ship of his books, and the charming and engrossing 
occupations of his pen, he found a consolation for 
all his griefs. He set bravely to work on various 
literary schemes, which had long been forming in 
his mind. He varied the pleasant tasks of the 
laboratory and the garden, by sitting for hours 
together at his desk, poring over his volumes and 
planning his projected books. It was fortunate for 
his renown that he devoted himself to these labors ; 
for the works which he wrote while a prisoner in 
the Tower won him a high place among the writers 
of his age. The book which most of all redounded 
to his fame was his " History of the World ;" upon 



224 RALEGH I 

which he was engaged for several years. Although 
Ihis history was never finished, it is still read with 
interest and profit, and is one of the finest literary 
remains of the period at which it was written. 

Ralegh also wrote essays about the politics of 
the day, a book on the invention of ships, and one 
on the art of naval warfare. Other hours he 
beguiled by describing his voyage to Guiana, and 
describing that country in all its aspects. Singu- 
larly enough, instead of winning King James' favor 
by these literary works, he only increased his 
disHke. The king thought he discovered in "The 
History of the World " treasonable doctrines ; and 
this caused him to resolve more firmly than ever 
that Ralegh should remain a prisoner. 

All this while Ralegh's wife lived outside the 
Tower with her two boys ; and it was seldom 
that she was permitted to visit her husband's cell. 
The loss of Sherborne, and much of his other 
property, had left Ralegh very poor ; and it made 
his heart bleed to think of his wife living in cheap 
lodgings, and deprived of the many luxuries to 
which she had been accustomed from childhood. 
Ralegh begged, in vain, that his family might be 
allowed to dwell with him in the Tower, as they 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 225 

had formerly done. " My wife being now divided 
from me," he wrote piteously to a friend, '*I am 
driven to keep two houses, to my great impoverish- 
ing. It is no great matter to desire that my wife 
may live with me in this unsavory place, though a 
cruel destiny has made it so to me." 

For years one of Ralegh's fellow-prisoners in the 
Tower had been that bright young Arabella Stuart, 
with whose beauty and intelligence he had once 
been so much charmed, and in whose behalf he 
had been accused of plotting against King James. 
He had sometimes seen and talked with her, and a 
warm friendship had grown up between them. 
Arabella was imprisoned simply because she was 
of royal blood, and because a few rash men had 
plotted to put her on the throne. She lingered 
long a prisoner in the gloomy Tower. At last her 
confinement and privations undermined her health, 
and one morning, in the autumn of 1615, Ralegh 
was shocked to hear that this cruelly persecuted 
woman had died in her cell. His thoughts must 
have reverted to the day long before, when he first 
saw her, radiant in her girlhood, at Lord Burleigh's 
house; and of all the stormy and tragic events 
which had since happened to them both. 



226 RALEGH : 

This sad occurrence only preceded by a few 
months Ralegh's sudden release from his twelve 
years' imprisonment in the Tower, — an event 
which, at the time of Arabella's death, he did not 
in the least foresee. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 22^ 




CHAPTER XV. 

ralegh's second voyage. 

OBERT CARR, the young Scotchman 
who succeeded in winning King James's 
favor after Cecil's death, had long ruled 
the royal councils with absolute will. His beauty, 
grace, and courtliness of bearing had completely 
won the king's heart. Besides showering upon 
this new favorite ample wealth in money and 
broad estates (among them Ralegh's manor of 
Sherborne), James had created Carr Earl of Som- 
erset. But in course of time, Carr's conduct be- 
came so arrogant, and his acts so arbitrary, that 
the king began to weary of him ; and the ruin of 
the favorite was completed by the discovery of his 
having murdered a knight whom he thought to be 
in his way. Carr was thrown into the Tower, and 
tried ; and though he was pardoned, he never 
enjoyed the king's favor again. 

Meanwhile, a brilliant young cavalier named 



228 RALEGH : 

George Villiers won King James's affection, and 
not long after Carr's disgrace, was installed in his 
stead as the royal favorite. It was this event 
which indirectly brought about Ralegh's release 
from the Tower. Carr, as long as he had been in 
power, had favored a friendship of England with 
Spain. But Villiers was very hostile to Spain, 
and desired the English influence, on the other 
hand, to be thrown against Spain, and in favor of 
the Netherlands, which Spain was oppressing. 
Among those who were eager advocates of this 
policy was a generous and patriotic statesman, 
named Sir Ralph Winwood. 

It happened that Winwood and Ralegh had long 
been warm friends. Winwood had often visited 
the famous prisoner in the Tower, and had talked 
much with him about the politics of the day, and 
especially about Ralegh's travels in Guiana. He 
knew that Ralegh was now, as he had ever been, 
the inveterate foe of Spain ; and he saw that, in 
the struggle which was now going on at the Eng- 
lish court between the partisans of the Dutch and 
those of Spain, Ralegh might become of great use 
to the former. 

Ralegh impressed Winwood with the advantage 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 229 

which England would acquire over the Spaniards 
if Guiana could be conquered and colonized. He 
dilated upon the riches of the South American 
country, and spoke especially of a vast gold mine 
which he believed to exist in Guiana, and which 
would, if worked, yield great wealth to the English 
king. Winwood related all these things to Villiers, 
the new favorite ; and Villiers, who had no reason 
to be hostile to Ralegh, at once caught at the idea, 
and lost no time in urging King James to set Ra- 
legh at liberty, and to dispatch him once more to 
Guiana, in search of the promised treasures. 

King James had become very much inclined 
towards Spain under Carr's influence ; and there 
was now at the English court a very shrewd and 
subtle Spanish statesman, the Count of Gondomar, 
who was exerting himself to the utmost to cherish 
the king's friendly feeUng for his country. But 
the power which Villiers had obtained over the 
king's mind at last prevailed. It was determined 
that Ralegh should be set free, on condition that 
he would make another voyage to Guiana, and, if 
possible, take possession of the country in the 
name of the English crown. But the king insisted 
that he should on no account do anything, while 



230 RALEGH ': 

on his expedition, to injure Spain, or any Spaniards 
whom he might meet. 

Accordingly, on the morning of March 19, 1616, 
the lieutenant of the Tower entered Ralegh's cell 
and apprised him that he was no longer a prisoner. 
Ralegh's heart leaped for joy. He had been de- 
prived of his liberty for twelve weary years, at the 
most vigorous period of his life, and he was glad 
enough to breathe the free air again on any terms. 
He had entered the portals of the Tower a hale 
and stalwart cavalier of fifty-two. Now, as he left 
it, his hair and beard were grizzled, his face was 
worn and wrinkled, his body was somewhat bent, 
and his features were grave and sorrowful. With 
what tearful joy he clasped to his breast his ever 
faithful wife, and his two young sons ! Indeed, at 
the age of sixty-four, his brave spirit was still un- 
shaken ; the long captivity had not quenched his 
ardent and restless ambition. He went forth from 
his prison with the sentence of death still hanging 
over his head ; for King James, although he had 
grudgingly consented to his release, had refused to 
pardon him. But Ralegh kept up a stout heart, 
and cheerily set to work upon his preparations for 
the coming voyage. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 23 1 

It was many months, however, after his leaving 
the Tower, before these preparations were com- 
pleted. Every obstacle was thrown in his way by 
the Spanish envoy, the vigilant Count of Gondomar, 
who exerted all his resources to persuade King 
James to withdraw his consent to the expedition. 
It was not so easy, moreover, for Ralegh to raise the 
necessary funds to defray the expenses of his new 
venture. He was now far from being a rich man. 
He had been stripped of his profitable posts and 
offices, and his properties in Ireland and in England 
had melted away. But what little was left him 
from the money given to him in payment for 
Sherborne, he freely laid out on his fleet ; and his 
devoted wife cheerfully gave up an estate which 
she had saved from the wreck of their fortune, to 
complete the equipment of the vessels. A royal 
grant was also wrung from the king by Villiers. 

With these resources, a fleet was finally got 
ready in the Thames. It consisted of a new flag- 
ship, named "The Destiny," which Ralegh had 
caused to be built for himself ; eleven other good 
sized vessels, two fly-boats, and a caravel. Ralegh 
resolved to take with him his eldest son, Walter, 
now a fine and spirited young man of twenty-three ; 



232 RALEGH : 

and his company consisted of two hundred volun- 
teers, of whom sixty were gentlemen of rank and 
education. Among this company were quite a 
number of Ralegh's relatives, eager to share his 
perils and triumphs. While the ships lay in their 
docks in the Thames, a great many people visited 
them with much curiosity. Every day a crowd 
gathered on the wharves ; and among these spec- 
tators were statesmen, courtiers, and nobles, as 
well as those of inferior condition. 

Before setting sail, Ralegh issued some rules by 
which the company was to be guided. He enjoined 
upon them, that each day must be opened and closed 
with religious services, " praising God every night 
with singing of a psalm at the setting of the watch." 
Other rules compelled the men to take certain 
precautions to preserve their health. 

It was on an April day in 1617, a little more than 
a year after his release from the Tower, that Ralegh, 
accompanied by his son Walter, set sail down the 
Thames with a part of his fleet. The rest of the 
ships joined him at Plymouth, on his way through 
the Channel. The first days of the voyage were 
very unpropitious. The fleet was assailed by fierce 
tempests ; and before Ralegh had lost sight of land, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 233 

one of his vessels sank before his eyes, and two 
others were sadly disabled. He found it necessary 
to put in at the harbor of Cork, and to await the 
subsidence of the storm. Then he set forth again, 
and now made his way without disaster to the 
Canary Islands. Here he tarried some time, taking 
in water and provisions ; nor did he get away from 
the Canaries before his sailors had had some 
altercations with the Spaniards there. One of his 
ships, moreover, deserted him ; and sickness broke 
out among the crews. Among his company, as it 
turned out, were many reckless and insubordinate 
adventurers ; and it was no easy task to preserve 
discipline on board the ships, and to prevent the 
men from acting violently when ashore. To add 
to these misfortunes, the fleet was again and again 
overwhelmed by pitiless storms. At last Ralegh 
himself was taken ill and lay in his berth helpless 
and in danger of death for many weary days. 

As, after leaving the Canaries and the Cape de 
Verde islands, the " Destiny," followed by the other 
ships, ploughed her difficult way across the tem- 
pestuous Atlantic, the stout-hearted commander 
lay tossing in his close and narrow quarters, burning 
with fever, and stifling for want of air. But amid 



234 RALEGH I 

all his pain, he never lost his old-time courage, and 
never once gave up his projects in despair. Toward 
the latter part of the voyage he was able to sit up 
on deck, attended by his loving son and devoted 
companions. Wan and wasted, he gazed yearningly 
toward the west, hoping daily to see the dim outline 
of the coast of Trinidad appear in the horizon. At 
last, his eager longing was gratified. There was 
the land, like a cloud rising in the far distance ; and 
in no long time the fleet was anchored securely in 
the same bay where, twenty years before, Ralegh 
had greeted the new continent. Ralegh was still 
so feeble, however, that he was carried on shore in 
a chair. 

He soon recovered health in the thrilling prospect 
before him. Many of his fellow-voyagers had died 
on the way ; but he found that he still had two 
hundred men to accompany him into the interior. 
No sooner did he find himself well again, than he 
wrote to his wife and told her of his illness. " But 
God," he reverently added, " that gave me a strong 
heart in all my adversities, hath also now strength- 
ened it in the hell-fire of heat." 

On landing on the main coast, Ralegh was 
delighted to find that the grateful natives, after so 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 235 

long a time, had not forgotten him, but still held 
his name in cherished affection. They crowded the 
shores, and brought a large quantity of provisions 
and fruit for the adventurers ; and showed in a 
hundred ways their delight at Ralegh's long looked- 
for return. " To tell you," he wrote to his wife, 
" that I might be here king of the Indians, were 
a vanity. But my name hath lived among them ; 
here they feed me with fresh meat, and all that the 
country affords. All offer to obey me." 

Ralegh's first step, after resting and refreshing 
his company, was to dispatch several reconnoi- 
tring parties, in five small ships, up the Orinoco, to 
search for the great mine of which he had heard so 
much, and which he had gone thither to find. 
These ships were commanded by his old friend, 
Captain Keymis, young Walter Ralegh, and George 
Ralegh, nephew of the admiral. These companies 
had not gone far, however, when they came upon a 
new town named St. Thomas, which had recently 
been built by the Spaniards on the river bank. An 
Indian had warned the Spaniards who lived there of 
the approach of the English ; and no sooner had 
Keymis and his comrades moored their boats near 
the town, and begun to land, than the Spanish 



236 RALEGH : 

settlers poured a volley of musketry upon them 
from an ambush. The EngUsh retired to their 
boats in disorder. Ralegh had warned them, before 
parting from them, by no means to inflict any 
injury on the Spaniards they might encounter. But 
now the Spaniards had attacked them first ; and 
Keymis, young Ralegh, and the other leaders were 
resolved that, in spite of the admiral's orders, the 
Spaniards should be punished for their unprovoked 
assault. 

The next morning, therefore, the adventurers 
fiercely attacked St. Thomas. It contained about 
one hundred and fifty dwellings, which were mostly 
rude huts. It was defended by rude palisades, and 
in its centre was a small open square, upon which 
stood a church and a convent. The EngUsh, being 
more numerous than the Spaniards, soon succeeded 
in entering the town ; and then there ensued a 
bitter and bloody struggle. The assailants, under 
Keymis and young Walter Ralegh, fought their 
way step by step towards the little square. The 
narrow street was soon choked up with the bodies 
of the killed and wounded. 

Just as the conflict was raging most hotly, young 
Ralegh staggered and fell. He had received a 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 237 

severe wound. But he soon sprang to his feet 
again, and waving his sword, with a clear voice 
urged his men on. Scarcely had he gone a yard 
further, when a blow from a Spanish musket once 
more felled the valiant youth to the earth. This 
time he was fatally wounded. He gasped and 
struggled on the ground, and raising himself for an 
instant on his elbow, he cried, in a choking voice, 
" Go on. May the Lord have mercy upon me, and 
prosper you ! " 

Thus died, fighting with impetuous valor, and in 
the flower of his sturdy youth, Ralegh's eldest son 
and brightest hope. While the battle raged on, a 
few devoted adherents tenderly raised young Wal- 
ter, and carried him to the rear. Ere long, the square 
had been taken, and the Spaniards had fled into 
the huts, firing thence upon their foes. From 
the huts they were soon driven into the forest, and 
the English found themselves in complete posses- 
sion of the town. The next morning, a sad and 
solemn procession of the English soldiers, with 
reversed arms, drooping flags, and muffled drums, 
slowly proceeded across the square to the humble 
church which stood upon it. Borne in their midst 
was the lifeless body of young Walter Ralegh, 



238 RALEGH : 

He was laid, with many sobs and tears, in a grave 
near the high altar of the church. 

That same day, two more of Ralegh's vessels 
reached them from Trinidad, bringing a reinforce- 
ment of men. At the same time, the terrible news 
of his son's sudden death was sent to the bereaved 
father. Keymis, now the superior officer, lost no 
iime in going with two launches up the Orinoco, 
m search of the reputed mine ; but this expedition 
met with nothing but disaster. An ambuscade of 
Spaniards and Indians, some distance up the river, 
so suddenly and fiercely assailed the first launch, 
that nine of the men were killed or wounded in a 
few moments. This reverse so dismayed Keymis, 
that he returned with downcast heart to St. 
Thomas. George Ralegh's ambition was now 
aroused, and he resolved to try to succeed where 
the gallant old Keymis had failed. He selected a 
force of picked men, and himself ascended the 
Orinoco some three hundred miles. But he had 
no better fortune than Keymis in searching for the 
mine ; while day by day he lost some of his com- 
rades by the attacks of Spaniards and natives, and 
by the pestilence which spread amdng them. 

In no long time George Ralegh returned in 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 239 

despair to St. Thomas, with the sad remnant of 
his force. The English who had remained in the 
town had also suffered from the assaults of the 
enemy, hunger, and disease. Scarcely half of the 
men whom Ralegh had sent forward from Trinidad 
still survived. Perils increased every hour. It 
was evident to Keymis that he could not much 
longer hold St. Thomas. The only thing left to 
do was to return sorrowfully down the Orinoco to 
the fleet. Setting fire to the town, and carrying 
off every article of value which they found there, 
the disheartened company boarded their boats, and 
in a few days had rejoined their fellow-adventurers 
on the coast. 

Keymis found Ralegh still feeble from his long 
illness, and overwhelmed with grief at the death 
of his gallant and beloved son. With tearful eyes, 
Keymis told his chief the sad story of this event 
in all its particulars, and added the account of his 
own failure to find the so ardently wished-for mine. 
In his irritation and disappointment, Ralegh an- 
grily upbraided his old comrade for not pursuing 
his search further ; and told him, in a stern voice, 
that he should answer for his failure to the king. 

Poor Keymis was completely overwhelmed by the 



240 RALEGH : 

weight of the misery caused by his commander's 
reproofs. He shut himself up in his cabin, and 
wrote a long letter, accounting for his failure, and 
giving all the excuses he could for it. This letter 
he brought and read to Ralegh, and asked him to 
approve and support it. For once, Ralegh was 
hard-hearted. He coldly refused Keymis's eager 
request. 

" Is that your resolution } " asked the old voy- 
ager, with trembling voice. 

" It is," responded Ralegh, sternly. 

"I know, then, sir," was the sad reply, "what 
^urse to take." 

Ralegh too soon learned what Keymis meant. 

In a few moments, Ralegh heard a pistol-shot on 
the vessel. He told a boy to go and see what it 
meant. The boy soon came back, and said that 
Keymis, who was in his cabin, had called out, " I 
have fired the pistol because it has been too long 
charged." Soon after, the boy went again to Key- 
mis's cabin, and on opening the door, found the 
brave old man lying dead on the floor. Failing to 
kill himself with the pistol, he had stabbed him- 
self to the heart. He preferred death to disgrace, 
and to the reproaches of the commander whom he 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 24I 

loved. Ralegh's remorse at having so severely 
reproved his faithful comrade knew no bounds ; it 
added all the greater gloom to his already broken 
heart. 

Other troubles hastened Ralegh's decision to 
return home without making any further effort to 
discover the great mine. It was now evident to 
him that the Spanish king had sent word to the 
Spaniards in Guiana to attack him, and prevent his 
obtaining possession of the country. He knew 
that they were much more numerous than his own 
force, and that another expedition up the Orinoco 
would probably end, as the others had done, in 
wretched failure. Besides, his men had now be- 
come thoroughly disheartened, and were clamor- 
ing angrily to go back to England. He found it 
impossible to keep discipline on board the ships. 
Reluctant as he was to go back without achieving 
his object and fulfilling his promise to the king, he 
saw that there was no alternative. While he was 
hesitating, moreover, two of his vessels deserted 
the fleet, and sailed away across the Atlantic. 
This misfortune seems to have at last settled his 
purpose to return. Old and ill, bereft of that son 
who had been the pride and joy of his later years, 



242 RALEGH : 

saddened by the suicide of Keymis, harassed by 
his discontented company, and forced to carry 
home the news of a terrible failure, Ralegh set sail 
for home in March, 161 8. It was not without the 
darkest forebodings that he slowly approached his 
native shores. He knew that watchful and trium- 
phant enemies would gloat over his ignominious 
return, and would make the most of his misfor- 
tunes. These forebodings were only too soon to 
be realized. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 243 




CHAPTER XVI. 

ralegh's return. 

ISASTER followed Ralegh all the way 
across the Atlantic. The voyage was 
pursued during the stormy season, and 
tempest after tempest broke upon the little fleet. 
In mid-ocean, a storm of such terrific force struck 
the ships, that they were scattered, and each was 
forced to make its way alone towards the English 
coast. Several of the vessels were so badly dam- 
aged, that it was with infinite difficulty that they 
could proceed on their way. Ralegh's ship, the 
" Destiny," fortunately escaped serious injury, al- 
though she did not reach England as soon as did 
one or two of her sister vessels. 

It was not until the middle of June that the old 
hero was relieved by seeing the dim cliffs of Devon 
rising in the horizon. He made straight for Plym- 
outh, and moored the " Destiny " in that familiar 
harbor. 



244 RALEGH : 

No sooner had Ralegh landed than he was ap- 
prised by some of his devoted friends, who had 
hastened to welcome him home, of news which 
startled and amazed him, and which seemed the 
crowning blow to his previous crushing misfor- 
tunes. Each of the captains of his fleet, as they 
had reached harbor, had been arrested and impris- 
oned, and the ships themselves had been seized by 
order of the king. 

Many events of grave moment to Ralegh had 
happened during his absence. The Count of Gon- 
domar, the Spanish envoy, had continued to use 
every effort to excite the king's mind against him. 
Several of the vessels in Ralegh's fleet had re- 
turned to England in May, and had brought the 
intelligence of the fights between the English and 
the Spaniards on the Orinoco, of the capture of 
St. Thomas, and of its sacking and burning. 
Gondomar had eagerly caught at this news to de- 
nounce Ralegh to King James as a pirate and a 
traitor. He reminded the king that Ralegh had 
been commanded in no way to injure the Spaniards 
in South America, and that Ralegh had solemnly 
promised to obey. 

Another circumstance had yet more influenced 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 245 

the king in favor of the Spaniards, and therefore 
against Ralegh, who was Spain's irreconcilable 
enemy. Prince Charles was now the king's eldest 
son, and the heir to the crown ; the same Charles 
who was destined afterwards to become king, and 
to suffer death on the scaffold. Gondomar cun- 
ningly proposed that a marriage should be arranged 
between Prince Charles and the second daughter 
of the Spanish king. He promised a brilliant 
dowry with the young princess, and the close alli- 
ance and friendship of Spain in England's future 
career. 

This proposal at once attracted King James, and 
he entered into the plan of the marriage with great 
earnestness. Villiers, the favorite, who had be- 
come Marquis of Buckingham, also strongly ap- 
proved of it. But Gondomar made it appear that, 
unless Ralegh were punished for his treatment of 
the Spaniards on the Orinoco, the marriage would 
not suit the dignity of the King of Spain. The 
negotiations about this marriage were at their 
height, when Ralegh sailed into Plymouth harbor. 

It was not long after Ralegh's arrival, that he 
wa? once more clasped in his wife's loving arms. 
On hearing that the " Destiny " had returned, 



246 RALEGH : 

she hurried down to Plymouth. The joy of meet- 
ing, after so long and painful a separation, was 
checked by the afflictions through which Ralegh 
had passed, and scarcely less by the dark out- 
look which lay before him. His wife told him in 
broken tones what his enemies were saying and 
doing against him, and he could not but foresee 
that his misfortunes had not yet reached their end. 

After remaining a week or two at Plymouth, to 
settle up the affairs of his fleet, Ralegh and his 
wife set out together for London. He was resolved 
to face his enemies, and learn his fate. He never 
once thought of shrinking from the ordeal before 
him. As, one afternoon, he was approaching the 
village of Ashburton, he saw a cavalcade ap- 
proaching. Presently he recognized, at the head 
of the horsemen, his relative. Sir Lewis Stukeley, 
the vice-admiral of Devon. Stukeley came up to 
Ralegh, and saluting him with a bow, said, — 

" Sir Walter, I have the king's orders to arrest 
both you and your ships." 

Ralegh heard this with a calm countenance, and 
gave himself up to Stukeley's custody. He was 
escorted by Stukeley's retinue back to Plymouth, 
followed by his grief-stricken wife. Ralegh was 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 247 

lodged in the house of Sir Christopher Harris, and 
remained there while Stukeley examined the fleet, 
in the hope of seizing its cargo, and himself get- 
ting possession of it. During these weary days, 
Ralegh's wife never ceased her entreaties to him 
to try to escape. In these she was seconded by a 
faithful old family servant, who had accompanied 
her when she went to meet her husband on his 
return. 

Perplexed and wearied, Ralegh, in a thoughtless 
moment, yielded to these repeated and touching 
appeals. He asked Captain King, one of his 
friends, to procure a boat to take him to France. 
Captain King succeeded in getting one, and had it 
anchored out in the harbor, beyond the range of 
the guns in the fort. Very late one night, Ralegh 
slipped out of the house, and was soon seated in 
the boat with his faithful friend. A French ship 
lay at some distance in the channel. The boat- 
men vigorously plied their oars, and the boat was 
soon within a quarter of a mile of the vessel. 
Safety was now within Ralegh's reach. In a few 
minutes he might defy the worst plans of his ene- 
mies. Freedom would be his, in a land where he 
would surely be protected. 



248 RALEGH : 

But at this last moment, he bravely and sternly 
changed his mind. To fly was cowardice and dis- 
honor. His name and fame, more precious to him 
than life, were at stake. In a resolute voice, he 
commanded the boatmen to turn and row back to 
the harbor again. Captain King's protests fell on 
deaf ears. Ralegh repeated his command. The 
boat swung around, and Ralegh was soon ashore 
again, and returned to Harris's house, to await his 
jailer's movements. 

It was not long after this courageous act of self- 
devotion, that Stukeley was ordered by the king's 
council to lose no more time in bringing Ralegh to 
London. Stukeley made haste to sell out as much 
of the cargo of Ralegh's fleet as he had been able 
to lay his avaricious hands on, and to prepare foi 
departure to the capital. On the 25 th of July, hi 
set out with his prisoner, who was still accompa^ 
nied by his ever-devoted wife. On the way, Ra 
legh's health gave way, and the cavalcade was 
obliged to go by slow stages. It then occurred to 
Stukeley to do a perfidious thing. He had with 
him a French doctor, whom he ordered to prescribe 
for Ralegh. At the same time, he bribed the doc- 
tor to play the spy upon the prisoner. Ralegh, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 249 

who liked and trusted Frenchmen, at once fell into 
the trap set by his mean and treacherous cousin. 
He talked freely with the doctor, who repeated all 
that he said to Stukeley. Captain King, who was 
also in the party, made a confidant of the French- 
man, and conversed freely with him about Ralegh's 
chances of escaping to France. All this was re- 
peated to Ralegh's enemies. 

As the cavalcade advanced, it happened that 
they passed within full sight of Ralegh's old and 
beautiful domain of Sherborne. In all his travels 
and vicissitudes, the old cavalier had never given up 
the hope of one day again becoming its possessor. 
That hope seemed now forever vanished. He 
looked with longing and sorrowful eyes on the 
spacious park, the long reaches of luxuriant lawn, 
and the towers of the house, peeping above the 
trees. That night was spent at a manor-house 
near Sherborne, and when Ralegh's old servants 
heard that he was in the neighborhood, they flocked 
about the mansion where he was staying, hoping 
to catch a glimpse of their former beloved master. 

The cavalcade set out early the next morning, on 
its way to Salisbury. After riding an hour or two 
Ralegh dismounted and walked along the road. 



250 RALEGH : 

The French doctor, whose name was Manourie, 
walked by his side. Ralegh seized this opportunity 
to carry out a project which he had just been re- 
volving in his mind. He saw but too clearly that 
he was about to be kept a close prisoner and that he 
would perhaps suffer death. Above all things, he 
cherished his good name and his fame. He was 
unwilling that the story of his last Guiana expe- 
dition should go down to posterity as told by his 
bitter enemies. He therefore resolved that he 
would himself write it out, and leave his narrative 
in such a manner that it would surely reach the 
public eye. 

He was being hurried as fast as possible to 
London. His object was to procure a delay of two 
or three days on the journey, that he might have 
time to write his account before being shut up and 
jealously guarded in the Tower. So now, as he 
walked along with Manourie, he persuaded the 
doctor to aid him in his design, by giving him an 
emetic. If he could feign illness, and if Manourie 
would declare that he was unfit to proceed on the 
journey, he would gain the delay he so much 
wished for. 

The plan succeeded perfectly. Ralegh became, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 25 1 

apparently, very ill. On reaching Salisbury, he 
staggered and fell against a post. On being carried 
to his chamber, Manourie declared that he would be 
unfit, for several days, to proceed on his way. 
Thus Ralegh obtained the opportunity to write his 
narrative, and to make a complete defence of his 
conduct in Guiana. 

It happened that King James was at this time 
on one of his progresses ; and was on the point of 
arriving at Salisbury. Scarcely, therefore, had 
Ralegh completed his writing, when Stukeley hur- 
riedly ordered the cavalcade to set out again. He 
was afraid lest Ralegh should get access to the 
king, and try to secure his release ; he suspected, 
too, that the king would be annoyed to find the 
prisoner there when he came. As the party passed 
along through different towns, crowds came out to 
see the famous captive ; and he received many 
marks of the affection of the people, and of their 
grief at his misfortunes. 

Ralegh's fate now seemed so certain to be a 
speedy death at the hands of the headsman, that 
his faithful friend. Captain King, and his devoted 
wife, renewed their supplications to him to endeavor 
to make his escape once more ; and so desperate 



2 $2 RALEGH t 

seemed his situation, that Ralegh was at last induced 
to lend his ear to these urgent appeals. An event 
which soon occurred rather confirmed this inclina- 
tion. When the party reached Brentford, not far 
from London, an agent of the French envoy man- 
aged to speak unobserved to Ralegh. He told him 
that the French were his friends and were anxious 
to aid him in escaping. Ralegh was advised to 
bide his time, and a chance of regaining his freedom 
might soon occur. 

On reaching London, Stukeley, instead of carry- 
ing his prisoner at once to the Tower, proceeded to 
Ralegh's own house in Broad Street. There 
Stukeley took up his quarters, and to Ralegh's 
surprise, gave him a great deal of liberty of action. 
Ralegh was allowed to have his own servants about 
him, and to retain in the house his ever faithful 
friend, Captain King. His old friends came to see 
him, and thought that he was really a free man. 
But all the while, Stukeley kept a keen and sleep- 
less watch upon his prisoner. 

The more Ralegh reflected on his position, the 
more firmly convinced he became that his only 
hope lay in a successful escape. He soon learned 
that the French envoy had arranged to get him 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 253 

away, and had secured a barque for the purpose. 
Meanwhile Captain King had been busy, and had 
found a small boat, commanded by one of his old 
boatswains. This boat lay at Tilbury awaiting 
King's orders. Ralegh was still further encouraged 
by Stukeley's conduct. The perfidious man now 
pretended to be Ralegh's friend, and to be willing to 
help him escape. Ralegh promised him a large 
sum of money if he would do so, and Stukeley with 
feigned eagerness yielded to the bribe. 

It only remained to complete the preparations 
for the escape. This was appointed for the even- 
ing of Sunday, August 9th, 161 8. Hart, the boat- 
swain in command of the boat which King had 
secured, was ordered to moor it at Gravesend. At 
the designated hour Ralegh, King, Stukeley and his 
son, Hart, and a page got into two small wherries to 
go to the boat. They had just launched into the 
stream, when Ralegh saw another boat push out 
from the bank and follow them. He called 
Stukeley's attention to this, but only received an 
impatient oath in response. 

The faster the men rowed, the more rapid be- 
came the movements of the pursuing craft. The 
tide was going out, and it became doubtful whether 



254 RALEGH : 

the boats could reach Gravesend under the protec- 
tion of the darkness. At last, in despair, the 
wherries were forced to turn and retrace their 
passage. The pursuing boat instantly turned also. 
When the wherries reached Greenwich, Stukeley, 
who had been loudly professing his affection and 
fidelity to Ralegh, stood up and appeared in his true 
colors. Laying a hand on Captain King's shoulder, 
and with a deep frown on his face, he cried, — 

" I arrest you in the name of the king." 

Ralegh looked around in angry surprise. He 
perceived that Stukeley had basely betrayed him ; 
and it was not long before Hart, the boatswain, 
showed that he, too, had been bribed to be false. 

"Sir Lewis," said Ralegh to Stukeley, sternly 
shaking his head, " these actions will not turn out 
to your credit." 

No wonder the people of that time learned to 
call this traitor " Sir Judas Stukeley." He ordered 
the boatmen to row directly to the Tower, which 
was but a short distance away ; and the boat which 
had pursued the wherries, and which contained a 
courtier named Herbert, to whom Stukeley had 
betrayed the projected escape, escorted them to 
the grim old prison. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 2$ 5 

Arrived at the water-gates of the Tower, Ralegh 
parted with much emotion from his faithful adherent, 
Captain King. Warmly embracing him, Ralegh 
said in sorrowful tones, — 

" You need be in no fear of danger. It is I only 
that am the mark shot at." 

Ralegh was now led into the Tower by his per- 
fidious keeper, and delivered to the lieutenant ; and 
soon found himself once more confined in a low, 
dark cell, within those dreary walls where he had 
already spent twelve long years of his life. 

The traitors, Stukeley and Manourie, received in 
due time the reward of their treachery. The French 
doctor only got twenty pounds. Stukeley received 
a thousand. But the latter lived to be universally 
despised and neglected, and finally died a wretched 
and disgraceful death. 

About a week after Ralegh's return to the Tower, 
his wife, who was living in great sorrow at their 
house in Broad street, was also arrested, and taken 
to the house of a certain London merchant, who 
was appointed her jailer. It was feared that she 
might in some way efiect her husband's escape. 
Nor was this the only indignity which was visited 
upon her ; for her furniture, and even her household 



2$6 RALEGH : 

linen, were seized, and she was forbidden their use. 
All these proceedings only showed too clearly that 
the hostility of the king and his court to Ralegh 
was implacable, and would only be cont^^t with 
the shedding of his blood. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 257 




CHAPTER XVII. 

THE FINAL SCENE. 

ALEGH'S enemies had at last succeeded 
in their combined efforts to destroy him. 
Once more a prisoner, the outlook before 
him was quite hopeless. The king had always 
believed Ralegh to be disloyal to him at heart. 
Besides, James was at this time slavishly submissive 
to the influence of the King of Spain ; and that 
monarch recognized in Ralegh a relentless, and, it 
might be, powerful enemy. One sturdy friend 
Ralegh had long had at court. This was the 
queen, Anne of Denmark; and now, at the last 
moment, she exerted all her efforts to procure his 
pardon and release. 

But Queen Anne's influence over her husband's 
mind had long since vanished ; and she could not 
hope to prevail against so many formidable foes as 
now rose up to hurry Ralegh on to his death. King 



258 RALEGH : 

James was so firmly resolved to please the Span- 
iards, that he offered to send Ralegh to Spain, to 
be there tried and executed, if the King of Spain 
so wished. But the latter preferred that King 
James should do the bloody work himself 

After some delay, Ralegh was subjected to a kind 
of examination before the Royal Council, and he 
then learned upon what charges it was intended to 
convict him. He was accused of being disloyal, 
and a secret enemy of the king ; and of having made 
treasonable remarks about him. Ralegh replied 
that he had once said, " My confidence in the king 
is deceived ; " but that, besides this remark, he had 
never uttered a disrespectful word about James. 
He was next accused of going to Guiana on the 
pretence of finding a rich mine, but without 
really ever intending to seek for it ; and also of 
having caused the massacre of Spaniards there. 
His refutation of these charges was complete, but 
he spoke to deaf ears. 

On being remanded to the Tower, Ralegh was 
subjected to another indignity. A creature of the 
court, named Wilson, was set to watching him as 
a spy. Wilson was ordered to report all that Ra- 
legh said in unguarded moments ; and he used 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 259 

every cunning device to induce Ralegh to say 
something which might be used against him. He 
told Ralegh that if he would disclose all he knew, 
he would receive the king's pardon. Wilson de- 
scended to the meanness of opening and reading 
the letters which passed between Ralegh and his 
sorrow-stricken wife. Shortly after, Lady Ralegh 
was herself brought to the Tower; but she was 
speedily released again. 

Among Ralegh's earliest and most affectionate 
friends was the famous Lord Bacon. This great 
man had at last attained the summit of his ambi- 
tion, and was now Lord High Chancellor. In 
Bacon, at least, Ralegh hoped to find a brave and 
eloquent defender. But if he had called to mind 
how Bacon, who owed his rise to the Earl of 
Essex, had turned on that generous benefactor in 
his day of trouble, and had been his most virulent 
assailant, such a hope should have been banished 
from Ralegh's heart. Bacon now appeared as 
Ralegh's foremost accuser. He cudgelled his 
subtle brain for a legal way to secure Ralegh's 
condemnation to death, and reported to the king 
the result of his deliberation. Bacon decided that 
Ralegh might be executed under his conviction for 



26o RALEGH I 

treason fifteen years before, but advised the king 
to bring him to trial in the court of the King's 
Bench. The judges would declare Ralegh amena- 
ble to death because of the old and almost for- 
gotten offence. 

It was on the morning of October 28, 161 8, that 
Ralegh was summoned by his jailer to proceed to 
his trial. The prisoner was ill, but was forced to 
rise as best he could, and appear before the judges. 

As, walking feebly and half supported by an 
attendant, he was walking through the corridor, a 
faithful old domestic of his, who clung to him 
more eagerly than ever in his misfortunes, was 
standing there to see him pass. Addressing 
Ralegh, he said to him that his head had not 
been combed. 

'* Let those comb it," replied Ralegh, with a sad 
smile, "who are to have it." Then, after a mo- 
ment's pause, he added, " Dost thou know, Peter, 
of any plaster that will set a man's head on again, 
after it is off.?" 

Taken hastily to Westminster, Ralegh soon found 
himself confronting the judges, who sat on their 
bench in their wigs and long robes, glowering sternly 
upon him. He was not permitted even the pre- 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 26l 

tence of a regular trial. The judges began at 
once to ask him a series of questions, and each 
time that he tried to respond, they gruffly contra- 
dicted him. The old conviction of high treason 
was brought up against him, and he was asked 
what he had to say in reply. 

" All I can say," replied Ralegh, " is this. The 
judgment I received to die, so long since, will not, 
I hope, be strained. I undertook a voyage to do 
honor to my sovereign, and to enrich his kingdom 
with gold, of the ore whereof this hand hath found 
and taken in Guiana. But the enterprise, notwith- 
standing my endeavors, had no other issue than 
what was fatal to me, — the loss of my son, and 
the wasting of my whole estate." 

Montagu, the chief justice, sternly interrupted 
him by saying that the Guiana expedition had 
nothing to do with the matter. " Treason," he 
added, " is a crime which must be pardoned by 
express words, not by implication. The king has 
never pardoned you." 

" If that is your opinion," replied Ralegh, ** I can 
only put myself on the mercy of the king." 

The judges then declared that Ralegh should be 
executed on the old conviction. 



262 RALEGH : 

Rising, and bowing with an air of sorrowful 

dignity, the prisoner said, — 

" My lords, I desire this much favor, that I be 
not cut off suddenly, but may have some time 
granted me before my execution, to settle my 
affairs and my mind. I have something to do in 
discharge of my conscience ; and I have somewhat 
to satisfy his Majesty in. I would beseech the 
favor of pen, ink, and paper; and I now beseech 
your lordships that, when I come to die, I may 
have leave to speak freely at my farewell. And 
here I take God, before whom I shall shortly ap- 
pear, to be my judge, that I was never disloyal to 
his majesty ; which I shall justify when I shall not 
fear the face of any king on earth. And I beseech 
you all to pray for me." 

On being led out of Westminster Hall, Ralegh 
was surprised to find that, instead of being taken 
back to the Tower, he was lodged in the gate- 
house of Westminster Abbey. This was an old, 
low building, the upper story of which had long 
been used as a prison. Ralegh was conducted 
into one of its cells. His petition for pen and 
paper was refused ; nor could he now doubt 
that his other prayer, that time might be given 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 263 

to him to prepare for death, was also to be de- 
nied him. 

Even before his appearance before the judges, 
indeed, the warrant for his execution had been 
drawn up by the false hand of Bacon, and had 
been signed by King James. The king had left 
London, so that he might not be annoyed by the 
commotion which the coming tragedy would excite. 
A scaffold was erected in haste in the old Palace 
Yard, near by, as soon as Ralegh had entered his 
prison door. The next day was Lord Mayor's day, 
and the great multitude of Londoners would flock 
to the other end of the town, to witness the civic 
pageant. It was just the time to put Ralegh out 
of the way without interruption or disturbance. 

All these things showed that the time of Ra- 
legh's doom was fixed for an early hour on the 
morning of October 29, 161 8, and that every pre- 
caution had been taken to dispatch him immedi- 
ately after his fate had been sealed by the judges. 

Meanwhile, Ralegh spent his last evening and 
night on earth in preparation for his doom. De- 
spite the secrecy with which the coming event was 
kept, news of it spread quickly through the royal 
court, and among the upper classes. A number 



264 RALEGH : 

of Ralegh's friends hastened to the gate-house to 
bid him farewell. They found him calm, almost 
cheerful. To one of them, an old friend from the 
country, he quietly asked, — 

" You will come to-morrow morning ? " 

" Certainly," said his friend. 

** But," replied Ralegh, " I know not whether 
you will get a place. You must take your chance. 
For my part, I am sure of one." 

A relative, Francis Thynne, observing how 
buoyantly Ralegh bore himself, said to him, " Do 
not carry it with too much bravery. Your enemies 
will complain of it if you do." 

" It is my last mirth in this world ; " rejoined 
Ralegh, " do not grudge it to me. When I come 
to the sad parting, you will see me grave enough." 

Among those who visited the doomed hero on 
that last night, was Dr. Tounson, Dean of West- 
minster ; who naturally asked about his spiritual 
state. The Dean thus relates the conversation : — 

"When I began to encourage him against the 
fear of death, he seemed to make so light of it that 
I wondered at him. When I told him that the 
dear servants of God, in better causes than his, had 
shrunk back and trembled a little, he denied it not. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 265 

But yet he gave God thanks that he had never 
feared death. I wished him not to flatter himself; 
for this extraordinary boldness I feared might come 
from some false ground. If it sprung from the love 
and favor of God, and the hope of his salvation by 
Christ, and his own innocence, then he was a 
happy man. But if it was out of any humor of 
vain glory, or carelessness of death, or senselessness 
of his own state, then were he much to be lamented. 
He satisfied me then ; as I think he did all his 
spectators at his death. He was the most fearless 
of death that ever was known, and the most resolute 
and confident ; yet with reverence and conscience." 

Later in the night, when Ralegh was left alone, 
he employed himself in writing some verses on 
scraps of paper which his jailer had been indulgent 
enough to give him. 

At the midnight stroke, the saddest trial of all 
took place. The time had come when Ralegh was 
to see his faithful and beloved wife for the last 
time. With heroic resolution, he steeled himself 
to go bravely through this most sorrowful ordeal. 
When his weeping wife entered his cell, Ralegh 
received her with kind, firm voice, and for a 
moment held her close to his breast. Then, seating 



2(^ RALEGH I 

himself beside her, and taking her hands in his, he 
tried to cheer and console her. Even at that 
terrible hour, his mind was still intent upon pre- 
serving his good name and fame, and justifying 
himself in the eyes of future generations. He 
forced his wife to listen, while he told her of the 
means by which, after his death, she might restore 
his renown. 

Then the poor wife broke down, and began to 
talk about their little son, Carew, who would still 
remain to her. At the mention of Carew's name, 
Ralegh was for a moment overcome. He told his 
wife, in broken accents, not to speak of the boy, for 
he could not bear to think of him. All too soon, 
the turnkey came to conduct Lady Ralegh out of 
the gate-house. Straining her to his breast, and 
showering upon her his farewell kisses, Ralegh bade 
her good-by. Lady Ralegh had obtained permission 
to receive her husband's body, and bury it where 
she wished ; and at this last moment, she told him 
of this sad consolation. 

" It is well, dear Bess," said Ralegh, with a 
sorrowful smile, " that thou mayest dispose of that, 
dead, which thou hadst not always the disposing 
of when alive." 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 26/ 

In another instant, the heavy door of the cell was 
swung to and locked, and had parted husband and 
wife forever. 

The rest of the dark hours were spent in writing 
additions to his will, and giving directions as to the 
management of such little property as he still had 
left. It was scarcely dawn when the venerable 
Dean of Westminster again entered his cell, attired 
in the robes of his sacred office. With grave 
voice and manner, he gave Ralegh the final sacra- 
ment, which the prisoner took with cheerful seren- 
ity. The Dean then spoke to him of the treason 
which he had been accused of committing ; and at 
this solemn moment, Ralegh once more, with great 
earnestness, declared his innocence. 

Soon after the Dean's departure, an attendant 
brought Ralegh a cup of sack, which he drank with 
evident relish. The attendant asked him if it was 
to his liking. 

" I will answer you," said Ralegh, " as did the 
fellow who drank of St. Giles's bowl, as he went 
to Tyburn : * It is good drink, if a man might but 
tarry by it.' " 

At an early hour the sheriffs, with the Dean of 
Westminster, entered Ralegh's cell. They told 



268 RALEGH : 

him that the time had come for him to proceed to 
the scaffold. Without hesitation or tremor, the 
old hero grasped his hat and put it on, and said, — - 

" Sirs, I am ready to follow you." 

The scene, as Ralegh, between the two sheriffs, 
emerged from the gate-house, and with firm step 
crossed the street towards the scaffold, was one 
which, even at that dread hour, must have at- 
tracted his attention. Around the scaffold, which 
rose grimly in Old Palace Yard, a barrier had been 
erected ; within this barrier, the space was packed 
with people. In the street around it was collected 
a multitude of courtiers and noblemen on horse- 
back; while from the balconies of the houses near 
by, other persons of rank and distinction looked 
down upon the sombre spectacle. 

As Ralegh was crossing the street, he observed 
an old man standing there with a very bald head, 
which had no covering. Taking off a lace cap 
which he wore under his hat, Ralegh tossed it to 
the old man, saying, — 

" You need this, my friend, more than I do." 

On entering the barrier, the crowd was so dense 
and so excited, that Ralegh for a moment was 
hustled to and fro. But he firmly kept his footing, 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 269 

and the placid smile with which he had made his 
appearance never left his face. With knightly 
bearing and erect form he ascended the narrow 
steps of the scaffold. There stood the headsman, 
tall, gaunt, and grim, with a black mask over his 
face, leaning upon the gUttering, deadly axe. By 
his side stood the Dean of Westminster, ready to 
perform the last sacred offices. On either side of 
Ralegh were stationed the sheriffs, watchful lest, 
at the last moment, a rescue might be attempted ; 
for the sympathies of the crowd were strongly in 
Ralegh's favor. 

Ralegh turned to the spectators, and began to 
speak the last words he would utter on earth. 

" I have had fits of ague," said he, " for the last 
two days. If, therefore, you perceive any weakness 
in me, ascribe it to my sickness, rather than to 
myself. I am infinitely bound to God that he hath 
vouchsafed me to die in the sight of so noble an 
assembly, and not in darkness, in that Tower 
where I have suffered so much adversity and a 
long sickness." 

He then went on to defend himself, with earnest 
and eloquent words, from the charges which had 
been made against him ; and then, after alluding 



270 RALEGH ; 

to the treachery of Stukeley, and the French doc- 
tor, Manourie, he declared that he freely forgave 
them both. After concluding his defence of the 
Guiana expedition, and denying that he had ex- 
ulted in Essex's death, he said, — 

" I have many, many sins for which to beseech 
God's pardon. For a long time, my course was a 
course of vanity. I have been a seafaring man, a 
soldier, and a courtier ; and in the temptations of 
the least of these there is enough to overthrow a 
good mind and a good man. I die in the faith 
professed by the Church of England. I hope to 
be saved, and to have my sins washed away by 
the precious blood and merits of our Saviour, 
Christ." 

Ralegh then begged for the prayers of those 
who heard him, and himself knelt in prayer. No 
sooner had Ralegh risen to his feet again, than, 
turning to the headsman, he said, — 

" Show me the axe." 

The headsman hesitated a moment, then lifted 
the axe so that Ralegh could take hold of it. He 
tried its edge, to see whether it was sharp enough 
to do its work and holding up the glittering blade, 
kissed it. 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 27I 

"This," said he, "gives me no fear. It is a 
sharp and fair medicine, to cure me of all my 

troubles." 
Then, turning to the headsman, and giving him 

back the axe, Ralegh added, — 

" When I stretch forth my hands, despatch me." 
He again faced the spectators, and said, "Give me 
heartily your prayers." 

The doomed man knelt at the block, and his 
lips were seen moving in silent prayer. He sud- 
denly lifted his hands, as a signal for the exe- 
cutioner to strike. But the headsman, for once 
confused by the scene before him, lost his presence 
of mind, and did not at once obey the signal. 

Ralegh, seeing that the blow did not fall, cried 
out, — 

" What dost thou fear > Strike, man, strike ! " 

The headsman now nerved himself, and swung 
the axe aloft. It fell with a tremendous blow upon 
Ralegh's neck, and in another instant had fallen a 
second time. But the first blow had done its 
work. The kneeling form was headless. The 
executioner grasping the bleeding head by the 
hair, lifted and showed it to the spectators. Sir 
Walter Ralegh was no more I 



2^2 RALEGH ! 

A quick shudder ran through the multitude, and 
many groaned at the horrible sight. One man 
cried out, angrily, "We have not such another 
head to be cut off." The crowd separated slowly, 
muttering and crying out against Ralegh's ene- 
mies ; while his friends who were present departed 
with tearful eyes. 

The remains of the stout old hero, who had 
achieved and had suffered so much, and had met, 
at the age of sixty-six, the unmerited doom of a 
traitor, were duly delivered to his sorrowing widow. 
The same day, they were reverently and tenderly 
laid in a tomb in St. Margaret's Church, just beside 
Westminster Abbey, and in sight of the scene of 
his execution. Years after, a tablet of brass was 
erected in the church, near the spot where Ralegh 
was laid ; and upon this was engraved the following 
inscription : — 

*' Within the chancel of this church was interred the body 
of the great Sir Walter Ralegh, on the day he was beheaded, 
in Old Palace Yard, Westminster, October 29th, 1618. 
Reader, should you reflect on his errors, remember his many 
virtues ; and that he was a mortal." 

Thus lived and died one who played a famous 
and heroic part in his time ; and whose fame, which 



HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 2/3 

grew ever brighter after his death, is still green at 
a distance of more than two and a half centuries. 
Posterity has awarded him the justice which, while 
he was living, was denied to him by ungrateful 
monarchs and relentless enemies. He served Eng- 
land well, and was an honor to his age ; he was a 
pioneer of the English settlement on the American 
continent ; and whatever part he chose to play in 
the world's affairs, he played resolutely, bravely, 
and with all the might of mind and hand. 



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31. Now or Never, or the Adventures of Bobby Bright By 

Oliver Optic 

32. Poor and Proud, or the Fortunes of Kate Redburn By 

Oliver Optic 

33. Rich and Humble, or the nission of Bertha Grant By 

Oliver Optic 

34. Sophomores of RadcHffcor James Trafton and His Boston 

Friends By Elijah Kellogg 

35. Sowed by the Wind, or the Poor Boy's Fortune By Elijah 

Kellogg 

36. Spark of Genius, or the College Life of James Trafton By 

Elijah Kellogg 

37. Stout Heart, or the Student from Over the Sea By Elijah 

Kellogg 

38. Strong Arm and a Hother's Blessing By Elijah Kellogg 

39. Treasure of the Sea By Prof. James DeMille 

40. Try Again, or the Trials and Triumphs of Harry West By 

Oliver Optic 

41. Turning of the Tide, or Radcliffe Rich and his Patients By 

Elijah Kellogg 
42,. Unseen Hand, or James Renfew and His Bny Helpers By 
Elijah Kellogg 



LEE AND SHEPARD Publishers BOSTON 



AMERICAN BOYS' SBRIBS — Continued 

43. Watch and Wait, or the Young Fugitives By Oliver Optic 
^4. Whispering Pine, or the Graduates of Radcliffe By Elijah 
Kellogg 

45. Wijining His Spurs, or Henry florton's First Trial By 

Eliinh Kollogg 

46. Wolf Run, or the Boys of the Wilderness By Elijah 

Kellogg 

47. Worii and Win, or Noddy Newman on a Cruise By Olicet 

Optic 

48. Young Deliverers of Pleasant Cove By Elijah Kellogg 

49. Young Shipbuilders of Elm Island By Elijah Kellogg 

50. Young Trail Hunters By Samuel W. Cozzens 

51. Field and Forest, or the Fortunes of a Farmer By Oliyer 

Optic 

52. Outward Bound, or Young America Afloat By Oliver Optic 

53. The Soldier Boy, or Tom Somers in the Army By Oliver 

Optic 

54. The Starry Flag, or the Young Fisherman of Cape Ann By 

Oliver Optic 

55. Through by Daylight, or the Young Engineer of the Lake 

Shore Railroad By Oliver Optic 

56. Cruises with Captain Bob around the Kitchen Fire By B. P. 

Shillaber (Mrs. Partington) 

57. The Double=Runner Club, or the Lively Boys of Rivertown 

By B. P. Shillaber (Mrs. Partington) 

58. Ike Partington and His Friends, or the Humors of a Human 

Boy By B. P. Shillaber (Mrs. Partington) 

59. Locke Amsden the Schoolmaster By Judge D. P. Thompson 

60. The Rangers By Judge D. P. Thompson 

61. The Green Mountain Boys By Judge D. P. Thompson 

62. A Missing Million, or the Adventures of Louis Belgrave 

By Oliver Optic 

63. A Millionaire at Sixteen, or the Cruise of the << Guardian 

Mother " By Oliver Optic 

64. A Young Knight Errant, or Cruising in the West Indies 

By Oliver Optic 

65. Strange Sights Abroad, or Adventures in European Waters 

By Oliver Optic 



LEE AND SHEPARD Publishers BOSTON 



AMERICAN BOYS* SERIES — Continued 

66. Facing the Enemy The Life of Qen. Wm. Tecumseh Sher- 

man By P. C. Hccadley 

67. Fight It Out on This Line The Life and Deeds of Qef t 

U. S. Grant By P. C. Headley 

68. Fighting Phil The Life of Qen. Philip Henry Sheridan By 

P. C. Headley 

69. Old Salamander The Life of Admiral David Q. Farragut 

By P. C. Headley 

70. Old Stars The Life of Gen. Ormsby fl. Mitchell By P. C. 

Headley 

71. The Miner Boy and His Monitor The Career of John Erics- 

son, Engineer By P. C. Headley 

72. The Young Silver Seekers By Samuel W. Cozzens 

73. Drake the Sea King of Devon By George Makepeace Towle 

74. riagellan, or the First Voyage around the World By George 

Makepeace Towle 

75. riarco Polo, His Travels and Adventures By G. M. Towle 

76. Pizarro, His Adventures and Conquests By George M. Towle 

77. Raleigh, His Voyages and Adventures By George M. Towle 

78. Vasco da Gama, His Voyages and Adventures By George 

Makepeace Towle 

79. The Heroes and flartyrs of Invention By George M. Towle 

80. Live Boys, or Charlie and Nasho in Texas By Arthur More- 

camp 

81. Live Boys in the Black Hills By Arthur Morecamp 

82. Down the West Branch By Capt. C. A. J. Farrar 

83. Eastward Ho I By Capt. C. A. J. Farrar 

84. Up the North Branch By Capt. C. A. J. Farrar 

85. Wild Woods Life By Capt. C. A. J. Farrar 

NEW TITLES ADDED IN 1903 

86. Child of the Tide By Mrs. E. D. Cheney 

87. The Boys of Thirty =Five By E. H. Elwell 

88. Perseverance Island By Douglas Frazar 

89. Going West By Oliver Optic 

90. Little Bobtail By Oliver Optic 

LEE AND SHEPARD Publishers BOSTON 



THE FAMOUS "OLD GLORY SERIES" 

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER 

Author o/^'- The Bomid to Succeed Series,'' " The Ship and Shore 
Series,'' <* Colonial Series^" ^^Pan-American Series," etc. 

Six volumes Qoth Illustrated Price per volume $J^5 

UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA 

Or The War Fortunes of a Castaway 

A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA 
Or Fighting for the Single Star 

FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS 

Or Under Schley on the Brooklyn 

UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES 
Or A Young Officer in the Tropics 

THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE 
Or Under Lawton through Luzon 

UNDER MACARTHUR IN LUZON 
Or Last Battles in the Philippines 

"A boy once addicted to Stratemeyer stays by him."- — The Living 
Church. 

"The boys' delight — the ' Old Glory Series.' " — The Christian Ad- 
vocate^ N'eiv York. 

" Stratemeyer's style suits the boys." — John Terhune, Supt. of Pub- 
lic Instruction, Bergen Co., New Jersey. 

"Mr. Stratemeyer is in a class by himself when it comes to writing 
about American heroes, their brilliant doings on land and sea." — Times, 
Boston. 

" Mr. Stratemeyer has written a series of books which, while histori- 
cally correct and embodying the most important features of the Spanish- 
American War and the rebelHon of the Filipinos, are sufficiently inter- 
woven with fiction to render them most entertaining to young readers." 
.— The CalL San PVancisco. 




For sate by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by 

LEE AND SHEPARD, Publishers, 

BOSTON 



AMERICAN BOYS' BIOGRAPHICAL 
SERIES 

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER 

4MERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY. lUustrated 

by A. B. Shute, and from photographs. 

Cloth. 330 pages. Price $1.25. 

No more timely or patriotic book can be found than 
M.T. Stratemeyer's biography of our late martyred President. 



COLONIAL SERIES 

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER 

WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST; Or, A Soldier Boy's 
Battles in the Wilderness. 

Cloth. Illustrated. Price $1.25. 

" A thoroughly entertaining book." — A'. K Wond. 

MARCHING ON NIAGARA ; Or, The Soldier Boy of the Old 

Frontier. 

^or sate by all Booksellers y or ivill be sent ^ prepaid, on receipt oj fria b* 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers 

BOSTON 



MY FRIEND JIM 

A STORY OF REAL BOYS AND FOR THEIVT 

By MARTHA JAHES 

Square i2mo Cloth Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill 200 pages $1.00 

As a sub-title to her latest book 
for young people, " My Friend 
Jim," Martha James has added 
the line "A Story of Real Boys 
and for Them," and it is a real 
book in the best sense of the 
word. As a testimony as to what 
one real boy at least thinks of it 
it may not be out of place to re- 
late a little incident which oc- 
curred Christmas week. 

Having missed one of the boys 

of the household, a lad given 

more to baseball and shinney 

than books, the writer was surprised to find him lying at 

full-length on a big rug before the fire in the library, deep 

in a book. 

"Hello \ what are you reading?" was the exclamatory 




question. 

" ' My Friend Jim,' 
"Is it good ?" 



was the brief reply. 



"Well, I guess; it's a dandy !" and with an impatient 
gesture that indicated that he did not want to be further 
interrupted, he turned his back toward his questioner and 
buried his face in his book. 

Jim is a country boy, strong and healthy in mind and 
body, though poor and humble, whose companionship is 
the means of improving physically, as well as broadening 
in mind and character, the invalid son of a man of means 
forced to remain abroad on business. Brandt, the city 
boy, spends the summer in the country near Jim's home, 
and the simple adventures and pleasures of the lads form 
the interest of the story. — Brooklyn Citize?i. 



LEE and SHEPARD Boston 



BOOKS BY EVERETT T. TOMLINSON, 



THE WAR OF 1812 SERIES 



Six volumes Cloth Illustrated by A. B. 
Shute Price per volume reduced to $1.25 

No American writer for boys bas ever occupied 
a bigher position than Dr. Tomlinson, and the 
"War of 1812 Series" covers a field attempted 
by no other juvenile literature in a manner that 
has secured continued popularity. 

The Search for Andrew Field 
The Boy Soldiers of 1812 
The Boy Officers of 1812 
Tecumseh's Young Braves 
Guarding the Border 
The Boys with Old Hickory 




ST. LAWRENCE SERIES 



CRUISING 



Being the 
Illustrated 



IN THE ST. LAWRENCE 

third volume of the *'St. Lawrence Series" Cloth 

Price $1.50 

Our old friends, " Bob," " Ben," " Jock," and « Bert," having completed 
their sophomore year at college, plan to spend the summer vacation cruising 
on the noble St. Lawrence. Here they not only visit places of historic inter- 
est, but also the Indian tribes encamped on the banks of the river, and learn 
from them their customs, habits, and quaint legends. 

PREVIOUS VOLUMES 

CAMPING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE 

Or, On the Trail of the Early Discoverers 

Cloth Illustrated $1.50 

THE HOUSE-BOAT ON THE ST. LAWRENCE 

Or, Following Frontenac 

Cloth Illustrated $1.50 

BY THE SAME AUTHOR 

STORIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 

First and Second Series Cloth Illustrated $1.00 each 



LEE ^ SHEPARD, Publishers . BOSTON 



JUN 251904 



